Local band to release first CD
By Glynnis Jones
SPARTA — After years of putting thoughts to paper, SteppingSTONE Band is releasing their first CD comprised of 12 original recordings on Saturday, June 1 at the St. Moritz Grill and Bar in Sparta. The debut will last from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 am.
The five-member Americana roots band fills every song with tones and tempos from acoustic guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and violin accompanied by electric bass and guitar, the occasional wail of a harmonica and soulful blues vocals.
Singer/Songwriter and lead vocalist, Ryan Robert Schutz is a lifelong Sparta resident who comes from musical roots. His grandfather, Buddy Schutz, was a drummer and played alongside Buddy Rich, Benny Goodman and Jimmy Dorsey in the Big Band era of the 1940s.
Keeping the beat on drums is Tom Casperson, also a Sparta resident, who teaches art at Briarcliff Middle School in Mountain Lakes. Brad Marullo on guitar, lap steel and keyboards teaches instrumental music at Thomas Jefferson School and Sussex Ave. School in Morristown. Eric Schaberg, also a music teacher, runs Randolph High School's Orchestra program plays mandolin, cello, fiddle, and banjo.
The bass player Jonathan Presnell, a Boonton Volunteer Fire Fighter, is considered the music veteran in the band. Schutz said, “JP offered the harmony vocals the band did not have, he is a seasoned musician and helped produce the album and with a lot on the business end.”
Tom Casperson remembers when he first heard Schutz perform at Krough’s in Sparta. ”Within 10 seconds, I said to myself, this guy (Schutz) has an amazing voice.” Casperson then noticed there was no percussion, so during the break he introduced himself and said matter-of-factly, “You guys could use a drummer.” As Schutz had just posted for one on Craig’s List the night before.
“The line up is tight now, no personality conflicts, we have chemistry. I typically write the music first, then the words. I take it to the band as a canvas where the band throws paint on it and we slowly watch it take shape," said Schutz
Schutz attributes the name SteppingSTONE to having tackled hurdles, stepping from one stone to another that led them to each other and through some of life’s lessons. “The love for our music and artistic outlet kept us going strong, together as a unit, and brought us all closer together as friends.”
The band has experienced a number of ups and downs. During the short time the group has been together, two band-mates were laid off from their jobs, two of their spouse’s became cancer survivors, and a first child was born. “The members leaned on each for help and comforted each other. The five of us got through a lot of crazy and bad things in the last year and half.” says Schaberg.
Schutz adds, “We are extremely proud of this album. The title track 'I'll Be Coming Home' is about finding your place in the world with the thought that we’re gonna make it.”
The range of this band is wide and reaches many different styles of music. “Bottle Of Wine” hits on the Dave Matthews sound, there is a blend of John Mayer, Jason Mraz, and Mumford and Sons the vocals on “I Think Of You” and in “Sometimes The Bottle” which breaks into a bluegrass-type jam with electric and acoustic guitar, violin, and mandolin. The broken hearted sound similar to The Cure on “530 Train” walks hand-in-hand with deftly played guitar riffs similar to The Edge of U2 or The Cure.
The song “Get Back Up Again” has a bit of a raucous Irish jig or reel with fiddle leading the way for hand/clapping and foot stomping.
One of the love songs on the debut CD is “My Love For You” was written by Schutz about his wife, whom he married at Lake Mohawk Country Club.
Starting last fall and finishing by winter, the band chose Mudcut Studios in Milford PA and the mastery of Alan Jax Bowers at the controls. Bowers, a former Sparta Resident, has been in the music scene for years and it was important to the group to have set of outside ears they could trust to balance the sound correctly.
People are beginning to recognize SteppingSTONE original songs more and more.
Schutz believes, “Our sound is a good balance of rock and folk. You can tap your foot while still listening to the lyrics.” Casperson said, “The song ‘Another Door’ really caught my attention when I first heard it. I thought, people will connect with these lyrics when they hear them.” Marullo added, “The beauty of our age differences brings different sounds and influences to the mix, and appeals to many people.”
Schutz, once selected as a finalist for a Nashville Songwriting Contest is proud of his compositions, but never as proud as the ones this band has brought to life on this record and attributes the current line up to this achievement. “When this group formed, the personalities and openmindedness was key.”
The singer/songwriter has played in the music scene in town for the last few years including the Sparta Elk's Club, Krogh's, St. Moritz, and Salt Gastropub in Byram along with various clubs in the tri-state area.
The band has also traveled far distances to perform at two big events, including the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 annual Elvis Run for the Streets of Fire Motorcycle Club in Newark outside of Prudential Center and a benefit concert in Wilmington, NC for the food bank of Central and Eastern NC.
The public is invited to both CD release parties for "I'll Be Coming Home". The first event will be held on May 24 at the Dublin Pub in Morristown, and the local launch will take place on Saturday, June 1 at the St. Moritz from 8: 30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.. Copies of the CD will be available at all events.
Visitsteppingstonebandnj.com to hear clips of songs.