Date: January 2, 2010
Name: Steve C. Judice
E-mail: sjudice@kcwlaw.com
Website: www.facebook.com/stevejudice
Genre: original red dirt Americana, outlaw country
Instrument: Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica, keyboard
CD Titles: Stormy Goodbyes & Laughing Eyes
Steve Judice is one of those amazing songwriters’ who can take simple ideas and weave them together through melody and lyric and create imaginative poetry. The first time I heard him play was at an open mic at LaFonda’s in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I sat there captivated by his tragicomic themes, such as Viagravation (grandpa’s insistent fondness for Viagra) to the perfect divorce anthem “if you’re going to leave me, why don’t you leave me alone.” These songs may sound a lot like outlaw country rock and roll, but are really a lot more sophisticated and thought provoking than most of the pop new country tunes of today.
Steve’s early musical influences came from listening to seasoned songwriters like Willie Nelson, John Prine and Mike Williams, artists who write simple tunes and tell great stories. Billy Joe Shaver was probably his biggest influence. His first attempt to write a song came around the mid 80’s in the form of a contest with a friend after they heard George Jones’, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” on the car radio. Steve said, “I can write a song like that” and before long he penned “Big Hat, No Cattle, Cadillac Driving Man.” From then on he realized he had a knack for crafting a song.
Some 25 years later, Steve Judice finally cut his first CD (Stormy Goodbyes & Laughing Eyes - 2009) at Gordon Graham’s Dog House Studio in St. Francisville. With some talented local musicians playing on the record, guys like Pete Verbois, Joe Ropollo, Ken Rust, Phil Gay, and others, it is one of the best collections of originals I’ve heard in a long time. Though not necessarily biographical, the songs depict heartache, struggles in relationships and plain old anguish, such as in the opening song, Outta Luck Again, which begins with the line, “There’s a brand new church where the snake farm used to be…” This song came to Steve in about 15 minutes while he was driving down Highway 190. An old snake farm, which had been a landmark for many years was gone and in its place was raised a new church. Seeing this, Steve came up with a fictional, humorous story about a guy who keeps coming up empty handed at every turn. The new record is getting some well received airplay in Europe as well as on the independent internet radio station radiofreetexas.org
It is this intriguing expression of ordinary themes that really make Steve Judice a great songwriter because he has the innate ability to observe and pay attention to common things that happen in life and poetically convey them in stories that any listener can relate to. One of my favorite songs, “By Heart” poignantly describes the rarity of being truly loved by someone who really understands you on a personal level. Ironically, it was inspired by a 6 year old boy, who upon changing schools, told his mother that he liked his former teachers better because they “know me by heart.”
Steve was first introduced to acoustic guitar by his brother-in–law, a man named Richard Lewis. In 1974, Richard was in the Navy during the Vietnam War and would often leave his guitar, encouraging Steve to play it while he was away. Years later Steve took up playing the piano when his daughters were taking lessons. He also plays harmonica, mandolin and fiddle. But he’s most comfortable singing his own songs and strumming the guitar. Lately, his main concern is writing and he spends a lot of time thinking about ideas and keeping a notebook handy all the time.
He was involved with a few Baton Rouge bar bands over the years, such as Bleeker Street, a 1990’s Classic Rock band, Gunsmoke, and Slightly Off. Recently, however, Steve Judice has decided to focus on writing and playing his own songs almost exclusively, playing open mics, benefits, private parties and coffeehouses.
When I asked Steve what he would do if he could start over as a young musician he said passionately “I’d start writing songs sooner.” It’s clear that he has a gift for writing and playing because whenever I get the chance to see and hear him do a set, he’s always relaxed and confident. His voice and stage presence are energetic and lively. Steve is also one of the favorite performers at Birdman Coffee & Books, in St. Francisville at the Monday night listening room. Check out his webpage at www.facebook.com/stevejudice and for a real treat, listen to his music. Steve's CD "Stormy Goodbyes & Laughing Eyes" is available through www.CDBaby.com
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