Current Status by Steve Grisaffe

Steve's first chance to perform was in High School in the early '80's. Influenced by bands such as Journey, Boston, ZZ Top, and Peter Frampton, Steve started a band called Eclipse. They performed at the local skating rink, parties, and High School events. Since the band members were too young to drive, Steve's mother would drive the family's red Cadillac with an orange U-Haul trailer attached, watch and wait while they performed, and bring them all home. Steve recalled that this was not exactly the "high class music idol's tour bus" but effective all the same.

After High School in 1984, and still playing music, Steve visited a local music store to check out a new guitar. He was seen playing the guitar and offered a steady gig on weekends to play country music. At the time, Steve had never considered country music but once he began playing, he fell in love with it and knew it was his calling.

The next few years saw Steve playing in bands such as Boot Leg, and Bayou. Bayou's lead singer at the time was none other than Trace Adkins. He also played bass with Louisiana's legendary Sammy Kershaw up to 1989.

While Steve was enjoying the opportunities to play with such would be greats as Trace Adkins and Sammy Kershaw, he knew he wanted more. So, in a garage in the little town of Maurice, Louisiana, his own great beginning was born. The band, River Road, was the joining of musicians from some of his past bands, but the beginning of Steve's unique sound.

The band began taking off in Louisiana and Texas.

They made a name for themselves when in 1991 they placed second in the Nashville National Marlboro Country Music Contest. It was only a matter of time before the band received its big break. In 1994, with Steve as lead singer, they secured a development deal with Sony records under the production of Gary Nicholson (writer of "One More Last Chance" by Vince Gill and "Trouble With The Truth" by Patty Loveless) and Paul Worley, producer for such acts as The Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride, and Collin Ray.

Now well on their way, Steve and the band got signed to Capital Records in 1996 which was in the production years of Scott Hendricks known for (Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn, Allen Jackson and a total of 41 hits). During this time, 1997, River Road racked up several accomplishments of their own; three Billboard national singles were charted. They were "I Broke It, I'll Fix It" at #42, "Nick A Jack" at #38, and "Somebody Will" at #48.

Hendricks then moved to Virgin Records Nashville in 1998 and River Road followed him under the production of Trey Bruce (Chris Ledoux). A single was released in 2000 known as "Breathless" peaking at #41.

Without warning, after charting four national billboard singles, three Country Music videos airing on CMT and GAC, after performing in seven foreign countries for the USO Troops Tour, and many live national television appearances, Virgin Records dissolved and with it, Steve's beloved River Road.

Taking a much needed break from the road and performing, Steve came home to Louisiana and produced several Louisiana acts such as Warren Storm, six year old Cajun sensation, Hunter Hayes, and rising Country star Blake Luquette. While producing, Steve met record label owner Eddy Deloney of Ralph Records. This would prove to be a defining moment in Steve's music career.

With his hopes and dreams very much alive, Steve began working on his latest project, "Current Status" to be released in the fall of 2001. It is a self-expression of him as an artist and what music means to him. This C D will take you on a journey through all of life's emotions, love, hurt, recovery, joy, and happiness. It is sung in the soulful unique sound Steve has accomplished and proven to make him one of the premier vocalist on a national level.

After being out on the road for the last fifteen years, Steve has come home to his roots and to realize his destiny. He is destined to bring a unique memorable sound that he has created and was born within him from the electronic babysitter in his crib through the emotions and experiences of following his dream. Steve brings you his finest work ever.

Watch for Current Status to be released this fall on Ralph Records. You can follow this project as it unfolds at stevegrisaffe.com.

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