Key West has Jimmy Buffett, New Jersey boasts Bruce Springsteen, and now, the Eastern Shore has Steve Lowe.
A fixture in the Annapolis, Eastern Shore, D.C., and Baltimore music scenes for over 30 years, Lowe is set to release his sophomore solo album, “Salted Limes,” on Friday, June 5th. This collection of five original songs is deeply infused with the essence of Eastern Shore living – its unhurried pace, inherent calm, and the expansive beauty of the Bay and its surrounding waters.
“Salted Limes” invites listeners on a journey from its opening notes. The first song, “Reach Toward the Sun,” immediately extends an invitation as Lowe sings, “let me take you for a ride.” He then captures the feel of arriving on the Shore: “Down the shore/ cross the eastbound highway/ ‘long the rivers that stretch toward the sound/ past the orchards and old refineries/ wooden churches that reach toward the sun.”
Similarly, “Feels Like Country” – perhaps the catchiest song on the album — captures a peaceful, water-centric existence: “feels like country/ love and harmony/ life on the river/ just taking it as it comes.” The album also offers moments of poignant reflection. “Life Along the Way” touches on the quiet passage of time with the line, “Years slip by without a sound.”
“Face Into the Wind,” is a beautiful, heartfelt song of advice from a father to his son, reminiscent of classics like John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy” or Jason Isbell’s “Outfit.” Lowe encourages, “Face into the wind/ never let your spirit die/ like a hurricane, let it spin/ like an eagle, let it fly.”
The tracks share a rolling, laid-back sound, with lyrics that vividly evoke the best of Shore life. Lowe’s distinctive voice drives the album; his singing has never sounded stronger.
“Salted Limes” is not just inspired by the Eastern Shore; it was born here. Lowe collaborated with music producer and musician Mark Gadson at SoundScape Studio in St. Michaels. The album features a lineup of outstanding local talent, including Gerry Devine (lead guitar and accordion), Joyce Gauthier, Meg Murray, Dave Moore (backup vocals), Chris Levey (bass), and Gadson himself (keys and drums), with Lowe on guitar and lead vocals. To credit Gauthier, Murray, and Moore with “background vocals” sells their role short – their voices are a key piece of the album’s sound. Devine’s guitar lifts every song and provides the musical heart of “Salted Limes.”
“Salted Limes” can be previewed and purchased at stevelowe.hearnow.com and will be available on all major music distribution and streaming platforms.
To learn more about Steve Lowe, his music, and upcoming performance dates, visit www.stevelowemusic.com.
Mark Pelavin is a consultant and freelance music journalist living in St. Michaels. You can find more of his work on his Substack.
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