Recorded in 1995-1996, “West of Everything” is my first solo CD. The music was influenced by feelings about the people in my life and the town I grew up in, Mclean, Va. I wanted the music to have a “film soundtrack" appeal to it and create the sense that the listener was on a musical journey. All twelve selections on “West of Everything” are original instrumental compositions. If you heard me sing you’d be more than glad I took the instrumental approach. The six selections above are complete versions.

The instrumentation is as follows:

Steve Albrecht: acoustic & electric guitars, keyboards, bass, electronic percussion, MIDI programming.

Bob Chambers: acoustic and electric drums and percussion.

Bob Bean: Trumpet, Piccolo Trumpet.

Reviews

"West of Everything has been a wonderful introduction to composer/guitarist Steve Albrecht. His CD was dropped off on my desk accidentally and what a happy accident it was. Over the last five years, I have reviewed and heard hundreds of instrumental composers and guitarists. Few of these artists have caught my ear more than Steve Albrecht. As a composer, Albrecht is a joy. His compositions are full of gorgeous melodies that go to unexpected and rewarding places. As a guitarist, Albrecht is a very gifted player — able to cover more styles than most of us who spend a lifetime trying to master just one. His technical ability, at times, is breathtaking. Although, I admit that a few cuts on “West of Everything” would have succeeded better if he’d keep his wizardry toned down a notch. All in all, his music is a refreshing experience. I highly recommend you give “West of Everything” a listen."
-New Music Media

“[West of Everything] is one of those unassuming self-produced CDs where everything works without a hitch. The mood and the beat are in the new adult contemporary ballpark, but the arrangements have a progressive edge…worth hearing.”
-Keyboard Magazine

"Guitarist Steve Albrecht’s new CD, “West of Everything” is a fine showcase of writing, playing, and producing. This self-produced CD is clear and expertly balanced. The tunes are unexpected, creative, and sequenced throughout the CD in a thoughtful order. Albrecht is an incredible guitar player covering jazz, rock, classical and Celtic styles. Shades of Eric Johnson, Pat Metheny, and Adrian Legg echo Albrecht’s playing but never to the point where they hide this talented artist’s voice."
-NE Soundscapes

"For those of us trying to master the guitar, Steve Albrecht is one of those players that offers inspiration. His ability to cover a range of styles (fingerstyle, jazz, rock, classical) with such technical and emotional depth is an amazing achievement for any player. I recommend you listen to his CD “West of Everything” for a real audio treat. Even better, catch him live!"
- Boston Guitar News

"Albrecht has something new in mind when he composes. “Expand” is the operative word here. Albrecht’s pieces seem to be forever in the process of opening. Sure, there’s recapitulation, but themes almost always return a bit changed. Albrecht seems forever to be on a relentless quest to find every connection to his thematic ideas."
-Discoveries, Keyboard Magazine

"I am proud to announce Steve Albrecht as the 2004 winner of "best original solo guitar performance." His recording of a new “untitled” composition was voted the best entry out of the several hundred performances we received. Steve Albrecht is a top-notch classical and fingerstyle guitarist, but his solo guitar compositions are some of the best original contributions this group has ever heard from an unknown artist."
-Eastward Acoustic

"One of the all around best guitarists I’ve heard in Boston is a guy named Steve Albrecht. Check this guitarist out. He does some incredible things and is a great writer. He has a CD called “West of Everything.” I can’t get the thing out of my CD player."
-Tea Party Reviews

The above reviewers were paid handsomely for their "objective" observations. So much so, that they actually believe the stuff they wrote.

Currently, I am working on a duets with my long time playing partner, guitarist Kevin Smith. The new music will be a collection of guitar duets we've written over the past 10 years.