Steve Dalton

Bostonian singer-songwriter Steve Dalton plays music that makes you wonder when Ben Folds, Scott Joplin, and Chris Martin ever got the time to write songs together. His irresistibly hooky piano syncopation, coupled with his honest lyrics and lilting vocals, catch the ear and calm the soul. Music is art, and Dalton does it well. His latest EP, "Worth Fighting For," will have you tapping your foot and singing along before the first song is even over: from the first strains of the title track, the simple instrumentation reminds you that a real musician can blow you away with a 4-piece band. No orchestra, no samples or loops, no cheesy synth beats - none of the tired elements of overproduced, commercially-driven music we're all so bored with. Just a piano, a guitar, a bass, a drum kit, and a vocal line that no amount of money can buy.

Where Dalton really shines, though, is in live performance. His personable manner and sincere presentation of his art makes the rest of the audience fade away: this one's just for you. Live music is the lifeblood of the musician, and Dalton hearkens back to an era before there was ever such a thing as a "recording artist." Yes, he really can play and sing on stage as well as he does in the recordings. Pop a CD in the radio and listen to the tracks to get a teaser. Come to a show and get the whole deal.