“Echoes of Freedom, every story has a song”
Steve G, a Plaster Rock, NB native, embodies a life woven with rural traditions, military dedication, and music.
From drumming in church to serving in the Royal Canadian Dragoons with deployments to Bosnia, his adventurous spirit led to diverse pursuits. He later joined Canada's Special Operations Forces, combating global threats, experiences that fuel his storytelling through song.
Concurrently, as a firefighter for over 20 years, he served communities extensively. A self-taught guitarist playing "Elvina" ,his grandmother's namesake guitar). Steve co-founded the Kingston, ON Chapter of Music Healing Veterans (MHV) to help veterans heal through music. His collaborations, like "Still Over There" with Julian Austin, and his 2024 studio album "Bar and a Half," mark his evolving musical journey. Steve G's life is a testament to service, family, and the profound power of music.
Elvina
A compelling aspect of Steve’s journey is owning a custom-made guitar by James Malejczuk Acoustic Guitars, a company based in New Brunswick. James, a fellow army veteran and longtime comrade (with whom they served together for 15 years), transitioned from military service to become a skilled Luthier. Steve’s decision to acquire one of James’s guitars was a natural choice, symbolizing their shared history and passion for music.
The guitar is made of Maple wood harvested from the very property Steve grew up on.
In a heartwarming tradition, Steve named his custom guitar "Elvina" after his grandmother, who inspired his musical pursuits.
“She always encouraged me to play and sing, fostering my love for music”. Honoring her memory, Steve performed her favorite song, "Great Speckled Bird," at her funeral, marking a significant moment in Steve’s musical journey.
In honour of his grandmother, Steve wrote the song “A Better Place” and was included on his 2024 debut album “Bar and a Half”.
The song is a nod to the hearbreak he watched his grandmother went through at the loss of two husbands in her life following the loss of Steve'g grandfather when he was just 14.
Thanks to producter, John Thiel, the studio recording of the song incorporates a nod to Elvina's favorite gospel hyme “The Great Speckled Bird”. The video was filmed at the gravesite where both of Steve's grandparents are laid to rest.