Release – Steve Conte has released the new album, The Concrete Jangle and it’s an upbeat collection of adventures, advice and a lot of good friends.
In particular he teamed up with Andy Partridge of XTC fame, who co-wrote all the songs on Side A.
“I cannot stress how much Andy Partridge contributed to this record – it would not exist without him and his input,” Conte said. “I’ve given him a co-production credit for helping with the arrangements of the demos, which were ultimately followed when making the final record.”
Conte has collaborated with a diverse range of artists over his entire career. Some of his musical pals include Peter Wolf, Eric Burdon of The Animals, Willy DeVille, Billy Squier, Maceo Parker, Willie Nile, Jim Jones, Hubert Sumlin, and he even served as the rehearsal vocalist for Paul Simon during solo and Simon And Garfunkel tours.
His connection with Wicked Cool founder Stevie Van Zandt dates back to 2004 when the Dolls performed at Van Zandt’s Underground Garage Festival.
“But my connection with him goes back to Jersey,” said of Van Zandt. “I grew up with his cousins in Matawan [near the Jersey shore], so I had been hearing about his legend for years.”
Conte said he invited many friends to join the party with the recording of The Concrete Jangle (order or stream here).
“For the backing vocals on the chorus/hooks I wanted to get many different walks of life represented, people a politician would be trying to convince in an election; men, women, young, old, black, white, latino, musicians, actors, producers, DJs, singers – and some people who work ‘real’ jobs,” he said.
“Nearly 50 friends added their voices – among them, names like – Ian Hunter, Michael Imperioli, Marshall Crenshaw, Steve Lillywhite, Kasim Sultan, Simon Kirke, Danko Jones, Nasty Suicide, Dregen, Dennis Dunaway, Glen Matlock, Prairie Prince, Tommy Henrickson, Marc Broussard, Jessie Wagner, Palmyra Delran & Genya Ravan.”
Check out ‘The Concrete Jangle’ here:
