K&K's Artist of the Month: Steve Wildey
October 2002
"I've
been involved in music since my childhood as a drummer. I played the drums
in everything from the high school band and pit orchestra to the marching
band and a full swing jazz sextet. In 1975 a friend of mine introduced
me to the guitar; he was looking for someone to play some chords so he
could rock out on lead.
"My approach to the guitar was changed the first time I heard Leo Kottke back in 1979. Someone put on his 'Songs for 6 and 12 string Guitar' album at a party, I remember it like it was yesterday. The amount of stuff he had going on blew me away. I went out and bought a 12 string, tuned it down to open G, later on added a bottle slide and did my best to emulate Kottke. While I don't use the slide anymore or the 12 string I have to say that Kottkes sense of timing, rhythm and melody had a huge impact on me and my decision to pursue the acoustic guitar.
"In 1986 I sold off my drums and devoted myself to the guitar completely. I went into blues/fusion of the electric variety for several years playing in Baltimore and eventually here in Miami. I switched back over to the Acoustic in 1998 and have been playing that almost exclusively since.
"There were and are of course many other players that have and do influence my thinking musically. It is so very difficult NOT to be influenced with so many wonderful players out there. Some of the influence's can be heard on my new CD "Little Man".
"In my acoustic travels I've tried several types of pickups and some were pretty good however they all left me a little wanting. The first time I tried a K&K Pure Western I knew I'd come to the end of the rainbow! Great balance with very little color. I have them in both of my hand made Blanchards. Now my guitars sound like acoustic guitars when I plug them in. Since then it's been K&K ALL THE WAY."
Steve teaches guitar both privately and at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Contact
info:
Swildey@bellsouth.net
www.stevewildey.com
"Little Man" CD's available