steve conte plays guitar & sings lead,
lee "leeko" kostrinsky plays bass & sings backup,
phil stewart plays drums & sings backup
additional facts, on the record -
david johansen plays harmonica,
nikki richards & catherne russell sing backup,
tom timko plays baritone sax,
danny ray plays tenor sax,
kiku collins plays trumpet,
niko bolas mixed,
richard dodd mastered.
Influences
bo diddley, tom waits, the clash, morphine, iggy, replacements, coltrane, chuck berry, the who, bob marley, muddy & the wolf, jeff beck group, link wray, chris spedding, wilson pickett, otis redding...
Order The Album On Amazon.com in US/Canada/Mexico
http://www.amazon.com/Steve-Conte-Crazy-Truth/dp/B002NACY5O
Pre-Order The Album In Europe:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Conte-Crazy-Truth/dp/B002SQFZ18
"There is very little genuine rock and roll out there at the moment but Steve Conte has hit the nail on the head with this one"
-- Steve Lilliywhite (Legendary Producer of U2, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Thunders, The Pogues, XTC, Peter Gabriel, Morrissey, etc.)
Named for a Charles Bukowski poem, The Crazy Truth began to unfold in 2005 when Steve ran into high school pal Lee "Leeko" Kostrinsky on the street in New York City. Leeko's punk, reggae & indie rock influences were a perfect foil for Conte's love of the blues, classic rock and 60's garage bands. Rounded out by Scarborough's own Phil Stewart on drums, the trio played their first show in NYC within a few months - a T Rex memorial concert where they performed a cover of Marc Bolan's classic "Rip Off" and 9 new S.C. originals.
Working between records & tours as lead guitarist/backing singer and co-songwriter with the legendary New York Dolls, Conte has produced his band's debut album, a scorching 11 song rock & roll disc called simply – "STEVE CONTE & THE CRAZY TRUTH". It features guest performances by Dolls front man David Johansen on harmonica, the soulful voices of Nikki Richards (Tina Turner/Madonna) and Catherine Russell (Al Green) and horns by Danny Ray (Sylvain Sylvain/ Johnny Thunders), Tom Timko (Stevie Wonder) and Kiku Collins (Beyonce).
Sonically, The Crazy Truth lies somewhere between garage rock and punky blues with hints of Latin-soul in a dark, smoky lounge. Stooges & Stones meet Morphine & Waits. Classic roots with modern twists. Steve Conte brings the power, soul and raunch; a guitar hero on the edge of falling apart - with the voice of a derelict angel. Drummer Phil Stewart is equal parts Max Roach and Keith Moon while bassist Leeko was weaned on The Clash and old school reggae.
Conte says: "This album sounds like a band playing LIVE because it is -- drums, bass & guitar together in one room, solos recorded live on the basic tracks, rough and tough. It was like doing a gig - and I love playing live with this band because it's all about interplay and the moment. We don't just deliver the songs...we JAM!"
Lyrically, the songs reflect two decades of life and excess in New York City...the distractions troubled souls move toward to fill the emptiness. Dive bars, gambling, sex & drugs ...it's all there, but not celebrated with the usual macho rock attitude. It's really about redemption. With Steve Conte's unique perspective he sings, "I'm always putting the last things first, that's why I'm starting out with the second verse" and "drag queens, drama queens, future ex-porn stars, we're all looking for lovers with beautiful scars". Whether he's the morally bankrupt guy "coming downtown in a Gypsy Cab" or riding a "Busload Of Hope" to Atlantic City, Conte offers optimism - "In the end we transcend - we're divine"...."
The Crazy Truth record was mixed by Niko Bolas (Keith Richards, Neil Young) and mastered by Richard Dodd (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), yet Conte was determined to keep the album's production rough and raw. Fans of New York Dolls will be pleased that this album embodies the spirit of those early Dolls records with it's seat-of-the-pants performances.
Steve Conte & The Crazy Truth 'Self Titled'
CD Reviews -- Tuesday, 21 July 2009 21:24.
Oh how sooooo many people miss out on some superb releases. This “only available at Dolls gigs” CD is a feast of ten dirty, horn-honkin’, hand-clapping, whoo-whooing rock n roll.
Conte has slipped into the massive shoes of Mr J Thunders and over time has grown to make that position his own. The guy has style, ability and, on this evidence, he can pen some grade A tunes.
So open the windows, crank up the volume on the stereo, pour yourself a large drop of red and indulge yourself in this good time rock n rollin, down n dirty jam fest.
The album kicks off with 'The End Is Here', with a shuffling raw drum beat before being joined by Mr Conte’s down and dirty riff which sets the pace for one hell of a set. The sound is simple guitars, bass and drums with the odd horn and harmonica (provided by his day job boss Mr Johansen). The band sound like they're having a ball and it sounds like one take fare which, for someone like me, is bliss. This is what rock and roll should be, a bunch of guys having a ball. 'Gypsy Cab' swaggers in and has every single ingredient for a great song. The honking horns, delta guitar riff, whoo-whoos, hand claps and some laid back lyrics. Buckle up kids, we’re going on a road trip - we’re not sure where but it’ll be fun and the company is as cool as it gets.
All killer and no filler - the stand out tracks for me would be the aforementioned 'Gypsy Cab' and the up tempo riffage of 'The Good Are Odd'. The album has the stamp of the Dolls' rough and ready recording all over it and fans of the Dolls won’t be disappointed. It also has some of the more carefree elements of greats such as the Stones, Faces and early Aerosmith all wrapped together. Possibly the most Dolls-sounding track would be the superbly titled 'Strumpet Hearted Monkey Girl' which could easily have fitted on either of the Dolls' last albums. --Dom Daley
*Bubblegum Slut 'Zine 32, UK
Steve Conte, the cat who was man enough to step into the big shoes of the New York Dolls’ long-standing guitarist vacancy, tells us that while never so much a Thunders fan, he surely shared in some of his predecessors influences whilst growing up in the Big Apple. That claim certainly rings true on this bluesy outing which gracefully meshes the classic sights and sounds of the city with Conte’s own experiences and soulful playing style. Knowingly or not, one of the first things ‘The Crazy Truth’ hits you with is a song Thunders and Patti Palladin made their own on covers album ‘Copy Cats’, as it laces elements of ‘Uptown To Harlem’ through the original handclapping blues tumble ‘Gypsy Cab’. It’s a neat nod, and starts a theme picked up again toward the end of the record in ‘Indie Girl’s horn infused take-off of The Specials’ ‘Hey Little Rich Girl’, which is set a landscape of self-promoted shows played for pennies, and for the sheer love of playing, finished with some sumptious guitar flourishes.
Having declared the tradition he’s working within Conte has some fun with the formula, effortlessly switching from the earthy swamp blues grind of ‘Texas T’ to trawling mean city streets populated by “drag queens, drama queens, future ex-porn stars.. all looking for love in the bar”, with a harmonica-honking David Johansen at his side on ‘The Goods Are Odd’. As deftly as he deals the blues the established guitarist shows his considerable trash rock hand on closing dive into gritty rock’n’roll ‘Junk Planet’. An appreciation of the Dolls is by no means a pre-requisite for enjoying this album, but an understanding of the frequent hardship and freakish beauty of the street life which both bands commonly portray will certainly help in feeling the full effect of the strange truisms Conte succinctly serves up.
--Alison B
Amazon.com: New York Doll's Guitairst Steve Conte Goes Crazy On New Album, 22 Oct 2009
If there ever was a rock and roll guitar album that could kick start a sense of rock and roll adrenalin in the tradition of Lou Reed, Johnny Thunders, Mink DeVille and Television, it has to be Steve Conte and the Crazy Truth.
Best known as the guitarist who joined the legendary New York Dolls when Morrissey reunited the band at the 2004 London Meltdown Festival, Conte has played guitar on the Dolls last two studio albums, including the outstanding Todd Rundgren produced 'Cause I Sez So. His new solo album "Steve Conte and the Crazy Truth" illustrates in flying colours how diverse and rootsy his brand of rock and roll really is. It is often difficult to embody the spirit of New York City rock and roll, and the last time this kind of sound was popular was back in the late seventies when the Heartbreakers, the Ramones and Television were kicking it large. The stand out track on the album is the doo-wop flavoured "Gypsy Cab" - which is so cool, even Weezer wouldn't know how to follow it up. But then again, this is East Coast rock and roll, stripped down, turned up and ready to rip. If you thought the recent Dolls album was no fluke, then listen again and do the math. I've seen the future of rock and roll, and believe it or not, it's pretty crazy.
-Treat Reynolds "Electric" (Edinburgh, Scotland)
*Soundcheck Magazine, UK
“From the opening drum beat, to the very end of this album, Conte & the Crazy Truth have you by the balls, and they know it! It's all good, it sounds just 'right'..it's how records should be made..pure & true!
Steve Conte knows how to put a song together, and he’s backed by some of New York’s finest…a winning combination. ‘This is the End’ starts the action and is a great rock n roll number, played rough and ready. Don’t confuse rough & ready with sloppy though…there’s nothing sloppy about this performance at all. It will kick your ass!
‘Texas T’, as I mentioned earlier, ‘got you by the balls..’ a sleazy look at the sleazy side of
New York nightlife…’ I found religion tonight’…indeed! Mid-tempo’d and fired up with a nice twist on the guitar tones, Conte manages once again to keep you on the edge of your seats, and doesn’t let up for one minute with the great ‘The Goods Are Odd’, which ups the ante one more notch..high-powered guitar driven and great structure make this a sure fired crowd pleaser.
‘The Truth Ain’t Pretty’ starts with one of the neatest lines I’ve heard…’ I’m always putting
the last things first, that’s why I’m starting out with the second verse’…this is the track
playing right now…and it’s a masterpiece in songwriting. If this one doesn’t get your heart racing, then buddy, you’re dead already!
The power-pop-punkiness of ‘Strumpet Hearted Monkey Girl’ is catchy, and just where
Do you come up with a title like that? Once again, it’s back to the sheer quality of Conte’s
Playing on ‘Highness’, reminiscent of early Aerosmith in both delivery and vocal.
The album to get is right here, the truth is crazy, this is the crazy truth…go get it!!”
-- Chris Rockson
*SONGSHOOTER.COM
Steve Conte and The Crazy Truth are a modern day throwback. Their album is a collection of guitar riff based songs—and great songs at that. The usual problem you get with bluesy rock and roll albums is the boredom factor you encounter by track three or four—you know, the break up song? I usually file them under the “see-if-I-can-sell-them” category. However, I am pleased to say that there’s none of that here. Each tune delivers on its own as a great song that just happens to be real rock and roll. Make sure you don’t miss “Busload of Hope” just because it’s the eighth track. Thanks for the record, boys. I’ll be listening!
-- billy thin
http://www.songshooter.com
Crusher Magazine, NYC
"A power trio with laser beam precision and a hell of a lot of heart. The slithering blues grooves and verbal vitriol on tracks like “Busload of Hope” and the gritty, thinly-veiled drug references on tunes like “Gypsy Cab” and “Texas T” stick to your soul like lyrical napalm." -- Cristine Natanel
There’s nothing cooler than free whiskey and an indy rock concert in the east village New York City. John Varvatos plays host to Steve Conte and the Crazy Truth, as Conte announced that this would be their last performance as an independent band and their next debut will be under Universal Records. It couldn’t be more fitting of an occasion than to rock out in a place such as the old CBGB’s which is now home to a John Varvatos store set in the lower east side of Manhattan. Basil Hayden and cans of Pabst Blue Ribbons were responsible for the buzz and in interesting mix of “Stooges and Stones meets morphine and waltz” played to a sing-a-long crowd of long time family friends, and local hipsters. They rocked the stage which usually displays some of the coolest shoes in the John Varvatos collection, a couple of Les Paul’s a Gibson guitar, and an original Slingerland drum kit made for the one and only Marky Ramone. It was truly an epic night of good music, great people, stiff drinks and a vibe all due to a sound best described as “garage rock and punky blues with hints of Latin-soul played in a dark smokey lounge. The essence of cool ingrained in the walls, and the energy of the band really made for a once in a lifetime experience. Congrats to Steve Conte & the Crazy Truth, I look forward to your next performance, and lots of success.
-- Chris Jovan • Sep 5th, 2009 • Category: Nightlights
*SugarBuzz Magazine
Steve Conte & The Crazy Truth WOWs the CB’s audience…OK, what used to be CBGB’s and is now a store [John Varvatos], with a stage. Steve dressed to kill in a sharp looking shiny sharkskin-like jacket (he stated he last wore when the NY Dolls played at CBGBs a few years ago…) Then again, if you’re a DOLL, it goes without saying that you have style.
Yours truly was standing right in front of the photogenic Mr. Steve Conte, rockin’ and grooving to the fabulous raw and raunchy blues-tinged rock that the Crazy Truth played for this lucky audience here in NYC…….Steve Conte & The Crazy Truth release their debut album on CD Oct. 20th on the Varese Vintage label. Cary Doll says: This band oozes talent!!! Thanks Steve & band for a truly wonderful and entertaining performance.
-- Carey Doll
“Gave the CD a listen in the car on a nice long drive today, and I love it! The songs are really great , and I love
the recorder solo! I left it in the car, which means it'll be on deck a LOT!
-- Cheetah Chrome (The Dead Boys)
"Consummate talent and relentless passion - The Truth ain't pretty...but it rocks like crazy!"
-- Billy Squier
"There are people that rock and then there people who ARE rock. Conte's the real deal and you can feel it on this disk. This isn't influenced, it's felt. Crank it."
--Robin Danar (CBGB's 70's/80's; Producer/Artist: Pete Yorn, Rachael Yamagata, Gary Jules - http://robindanar.com)
"Steve Conte is Rock-n-Roll, with taste...would love to work with you in the future!"
--Rick Richards, Lead guitar and vocals Georgia Satellites and Izzy
Stradlin and the JuJu Hounds~
"Hearing Steve Conte and The Crazy Truth is like a journey through the past with hopes for where the future is headed. Great songs, great hooks, 11 slices of dirty rock n roll. if that's not a winning formula - I surrender!" -- Keith Roth/Sirius Satellite Radio
“I love this song (Gypsy Cab) It's so so so -- booze bottle sophisticated. I must hear more...Love the photo too..It's perfect…” -- New York Dolls Myspace
"I forgot to mention how much I like your CD. Great tunes and starting 'with the second verse' is genius! Bravo!" -- Dennis Dunaway (Original Alice Cooper Bassist)
"For those who like their rock 'n roll down and dirty and drippin' with attitude, soul and monkey love, you gotta hear this....T-Rex meets the early Stones at the House of Blue Light. Great rock album...Really great playing, writing, singing, production and overall vibe. Loved it." --Willie Nile (Legendary NYC Singer/Songwriter)
"Diggin the record. That Phil dude plays his ass off. Good stuff."
-- Brain Delaney (Drummer - New York Dolls)
"Love it...reminds me of Iggy Pop...rock n roll!" -- Kyf Brewer (Singer/Songwriter/Musician - Barleyjuice)
"it's just fuckin great. it doesn't need to be compared to anything. i really love it. everything about it. the guitar sound is phenomenal. love the solo on "texas t". the guitar riffs/hooks are killin, drums are ridiculous and the bass does what he suppose to, real supportive and melodic without getting in the way. your voice sounds great. i really, really dig it. the ONLY "friends" cd that has made it to my ipod."
- Marco Giovino (Robert Plant drummer)."
I hope you'll celebrate with me! I've been picked up for regular
NATIONWIDE broadcast on Mind TV! First broadcasts in all fifty states
start on Thursday, Nov 12, @ 3:16 AM and then later Thursday night just
seconds after midnight! Thanks so much for your myspace support!!
Hey Steve, long time since I've been in touch. Have been writing the book full time. Am ordering The Crazy Truth's new album. Very Hot!!!! Also belated congrats re your son! Ciao Dolores xx
Hi Steve, love your fuckin..crazy fantastic rock ..n..rollllllllllllllllllllllllllll! Give me more and bring it over to Germany, rock my country again and again. Wish you all the best and a big SUCCESS with your new CD. Get it on and Let Love Rule!!!!! Wolfgang, c/o The Lens www.rock-shot.com
This just might be my favorite record of 2009~~~ Congratulations on the release of your debut album today! The Crazy Truth is just soooooooooooooooooo good!!
Thanks for the bulletin about my Sugarbuzz review. I was more than happy to write it (and take pix), THE CRAZY TRUTH rocks!!!
I'm really excited about your debut CD and I plan to talk it up with everyone cos you guys have a GREAT SOUND and are GREAT Live! Congrats on the record deal!!!
Steve, I'm so hyped to see things coming together for you the way they are..Who would have thought,hm?
ME~> :)~ Thats who! Much Love and happiness CAT, XXX Blowing big kisses your way...Ok,back to doing that thing you do so well..Music Music Music! You could probably knit a house for a family of four to actually live in if you so desired!!!
Yep... Thanx for asking, I'm down south now & havin a Blast ! Relaxing, writting & getting ready to record some new material. You Cats should gig here... & thats the crazy truth...I'll ring you up with my # & some club info.. Cheers to you & the band my Fratello!!
Steve, Congrats on the record deal. In this case I LOVE to say"I told you so". Everytime I'd stop by and listen I'd absolutely feel it in my bones! I was down enough from being sick but when I was given the cd I was absolutely smiling from ear to ear,you'd have thought I'd just robbed a jewelry store and made off with a beautiful diamond. Well,now I'm absolutely elated!The cd is an absolute gem,I'm hyped that I can get alot of copies in time for the holidays. Great job! Much Love, CAT, XXX Ok,rest and relaxation time is now over,onto the next piece of art
Steve, I've been away for 9/10th's of the summer(a flu for about 90% of it )but got the cd and Loveeeeeeeeeee it!!!! Thank you for the musical genius of your music and the smile on my face. I'm listening to you as I type. Leaving love and a splash of color to your day,I hope it's a gorgeous one! Much Love, CAT, XXX
