—> bakin1969bakin

This American progressive unit hailed from Arizona, but musically they were closer to European groups like Triumverat and Focus. Their lone self-titled album, originally released in 1976 and reissued by Radioactive, has a darker musical edge than either of those groups or American contemporaries like Kansas or Saga. It's the mix of dark, complex playing filled with Mellotron, flute, fantastic drumming and slick guitar pitted against light, almost breezy melodies about weighty subjects like angels ("Gabriel"), outer space ("Moon's Dancing") and the devil ("Coffin Maker") that make this album notable. However the appeal of the Autumn People is more than likely limited to hardcore prog rock collectors and fans of private press oddities.

Steve Barraza began his quest to become a musician at age 10 buying his first set of drums. By age 14 he was on his way with his first band playing school dances and small parties in Phoenix, Arizona. By the time Steve reached his late teens he had joined the most popular band in Phoenix “Autumn People”, becoming lead vocalist and drummer. The “Autumn People” took Steve on tour from coast to coast in the US performing in ballrooms and clubs to capacity crowds. Steve co-wrote many of the original songs for the band. “Autumn People” released their first LP in 1976. The progressive rock album titled “Autumn People” is still being bootlegged in Europe and in the United States.

Steve joined Kris Hollis Key in 1978 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to begin a song writing partnership that lasted until 1983. Kris owned a popular recording studio in Tulsa called “Sunset West”. In 1983 Steve moved to Los Angeles to pioneer the famous shoe company “L.A.Gear” with Robert Greenberg. Robert is now the CEO of Skechers Shoe Company . Kris soon followed Steve to L.A. and the duo continued their song writing collaboration. The two co-penned over 50 amazing pop songs. They still communicate today.

Steve started his clothing company in 1992 called “Tianello”. The company is based in Los Angeles and sells it clothing in over 4000 womens specialty boutiques. Steve has created an underground following for his music through distribution in his stores.

His current album “Real Love” which is will be released January 1, 2009 is an original collection of country ballads all penned by Steve, recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, and was co-produced by Joe Spivey, and Steve Barraza.