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Deaton discusses release of new CD on Mississippi Arts Hour
—— Joshua Dilmore, Growl Editor
Holmes Community College English and Foreign Language department chair and Ridgeland instructor Steve Deaton was featured on the Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) Mississippi Arts Hour, which aired Sunday, Nov. 1.
Deaton, who also advises the iCreate: Creative Arts Club at Holmes and the student rock band, discussed the upcoming release of his album "The Steve Deaton Three" and the release show that will take place in Fondren on Nov. 18 during the interview with MPB's Larry Morrisey. The Steve Deaton Three (SD3) will be playing an hour-long set starting at 7:30 p.m. Afterward, the band's new album will be played over a PA, allowing for patrons to mingle with the band.
"Everyone who pays to get in will get a copy of the new CD (or a download code if they no longer bother with CDs)," Deaton said.
The SD3 consists of Deaton, Denny Burkes, and Adam Perry. This album is the trio's debut LP which they describe as "a blend of rockin' styles from the glory days of FM radio." The LP is the trio's first full-length CD, featuring seven original songs written by Deaton and also three "reworked cover tunes" from notable artists such as The Nazz, The Who, and rockabilly singer and songwriter Jumpin' Gene Simmons (who is Deaton's second cousin). The SD3's debut EP "Tonight I'm Gonna Feel Alright" was released in 2014. Of course, Deaton is no stranger to music.
"From 1999-2012, I recorded and performed with Buffalo Nickel, who has received national press and airplay, been featured in film and TV soundtracks, shared the stage with the likes of Wilco, Maroon 5, Junior Brown, and Leon Russell, and has performed at prominent festivals such as the CMJ Music Marathon in New York and South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin (Texas)," Deaton said.
During this time, Deaton also released two solo albums. When asked if he preferred working with other musicians or performing solo, Deaton said he prefers collaborating with a band.
"It is always fun to bring in material to a group of talented musicians and see where they can help you take it. Plus I like rock and roll, and it is much easier to play rock and roll with a drummer and a bassist," Deaton added.
Attendees of The SD3 release party will be entertained by the colorful stories and characters of Deaton's songs. However, as Deaton has made clear before, his songs are not to be taken as autobiographical. Still, Deaton says that his songs are "loosely" based on his personal experience.
"I supposed that is unavoidable," Deaton adds. "Most of the stories are an amalgamation of a lot of stories I've seen or heard in other people's experience topped with a heavy dose of my imagination."
For more information about The SD3 visit http://stevedeatonthree.bandcamp.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and SoundCloud. You may also visit http://www.ardenland.net/event/980331-steve-deaton-three-release-jackson/.
To hear the entire Mississippi Arts Hour interview, visit http://bit.ly/1Nv80TD.
For more information about the Holmes Department of English and Foreign Language, contact Steve Deaton at sdeaton@holmescc.edu or (601) 605-3358.
IN THE PHOTO: Pictured is The Steve Deaton Three (SD3), who will host a CD release party in conjunction with a performance in Fondren on Nov. 18. Deaton is the Holmes Community College English and Foreign Language department chair, Ridgeland Campus English instructor, and iCreate: Creative Arts Club advisor.
