Picking up the guitar first at the age of 12, Steve was initially influenced by the guitar sound and technique of great blues/rock guitarists like Gary Moore, Jimi Hendrix and Joe Satriani. These styles were indulged in bands from an early age, performing at schools, colleges and charity events.
As his attitude and style progressed Steve embraced a more acoustic approach to playing and so set about applying techniques taken from the electric guitar to a wholly acoustic sound.
Meeting fellow musician Mike Muirhead invited the opportunity of imposing a purely acoustic sound to an audience in need of a change. And so the duo, eventually to beome a trio, 'Midway' were formed. As a result Midway developed a well respected following, applying a personal approach to covering music and songwriting with a squeeze of folk.
The development of an acoustic outlook for Steve led to the introduction of music by Certified Guitar Player, Tommy Emmanuel. From this point on technique, generally considered beyond guitar, were identified and put into effect. A guitarist that can hold an audiences attention, entertain and inspire became the focal point of playing. Following the ongoing study and hard practice of such an artist, Steve was given the opportunity to perform alongside Tommy at Tommy Fest 2005.
The influence of guitarists in a similar vein to Tommy Emmanuel i.e Pierre Bensusan, Antonio Forcione and John Williams all now play their part in inspiration and influence.
Steve's calender now consists of solo performances and collaborations with fellow musicians.
Hey Steve!! Great gig of you and Polly in South Tyrol - San Vigilio di Marebbe!! Very hot performance of you in that frosty day on Piz de Plaies...Go on the Top!! Slavi xx
Cheers Steve, lovely playing alongside you - really enjoyed you and Polly! See you on the road and about town no doubt. Lotte Ps. My second song was called Suzie's back in town :-)
Fans of Steve Picken can now buy tickets for his Portsmouth show supporting Lisa Mitchell on Thursday 12th November at www.stiffpromotions.co.uk although numbers are limited.
Hi Steve, I'm playing unless this summer, but it's "normal" for this period... I'll say "ciao" to the other boys and we are waiting for you come back here!!! Sorry for my english ... See you soon, byeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
Thank you - was good to meet you.... sorry I couldnt stick around... my guitars are all new to me this year.. I have a family of 3 and I think if there was a fire I would rescue them before anything else! :-) See you soon - are you playing this way any time in the future?
...
... Bye 
