Steve Bakken Tribute
Steve made so many friends through music. It was a big part of how he related to new people and how he bonded with lifelong friends. I'm so grateful to those friends for continuing to share his music—it feels like they're bringing a bit of him back by recording his songs.”
— Anne Bakken (Steve’s sister)
Steve Bakken started writing and recording music when he was 12 years old, his first known recording being a song called, “Old No 7”, which was about a bottle of Jack Daniels. Even in his teens, Steve’s musical sensibilities and execution on guitar, piano, bass, and drums surpassed most musicians 10 years his senior. But, what he excelled at the most was musical composition, which he would create and arrange in his head before recording, playing every instrument himself in multiple styles and genres, and man did Steve ever write and record a lot of songs.The dude was a talented visionary artist and a musical encyclopedia, and it can’t be overstated how much respect I had for him as a songwriter and a musician.
Between 1998 and 2006 Steve and I would play together in 3 different bands and I always felt more confident on stage when he was standing next to me, as I knew that he would elevate whatever band he was playing in, whether it was on piano, guitar, or bass. I also played guitar in his solo project for a spell, and after painstakingly studying and learning the guitar parts, I realized how uniquely he thought about music, and how amazing of a musician he truly was. Many of his other friends can also attest to his musical virtuosity, especially if they ever played with him.
The music community in both the Red River Valley and Twin Cities will remember Steve as being one of the most gifted and unique songwriters and musicians in either music scene over the last 30 years, with a tone, musical voice, and style all his own, and a mug that resembled Jagger and Bowie, as well as a head of self-cut hair that would make even Ron Wood jealous.
Steve probably recorded over 25 full length recordings in his 46 years of life, some of which can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. It’s unfortunate that his talents as a songwriter, musician, and performer weren't more widely recognized while he was with us on this earth because Steve could have easily been a professional studio musician or songwriter if he had really wanted to. But, that’s not the way the needle dropped on the record. I’m hoping this collection of songs recorded by those who knew and loved him will be a lasting tribute to Steve and provide his family with the legacy Steve deserves, while also exposing a new audience to Steve’s singular talent.
This is for you Rockin’ Bakken. May we all strum a tune and raise a glass together on the other side of the veil one day.
Much love to all who contributed to this compilation and many thanks to Neil for featuring it on the Basement Sketches site. Stay kind and be well. Cheers.
- Lopez