Steve Ono, Voice of a Friend (OnoMuse Records) – Steve Ono, a stalwart on the local music scene, delivers an easy-going package on Voice of a Friend. One of the area's best known guitar teachers, Mr. Ono leans toward the folk and acoustic side. After forming a local band, "Folly's Pool," in the Fresno area in the mid-70s, Mr. Ono went solo and moved to the Los Angles area. Mr. Ono is a 1980 graduate from the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood. Steve has been back in the Valley for several years, and has written several books on guitar method and instruction. Voice of a Friend is a laid-back effort. "Gypsy in Disguise" shows Spanish stylings and Mr. Ono's work with local flamenco combo Cerro Negro, while "King of the Passing Chord" was written in tribute to Fresno area guitar legend Frank Hicks. The band includes Steve Ono on lead vocal, guitars and bass, Eddie Gordon on harmonica, Dave Calvert on keyboards, Felix Contreras on percussion, with Point Anderson on mandolin on two tracks. "First Girl" and "Serious Man" are the highlights of the album, easy-going acoustic folk numbers that highlight Steve's friendly voice. And listen for "Morning Coffee," which highlights the harmonica of Eddie Gordon. Eddie was the featured harmonica player on several classic movie and T.V. theme songs, including "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly," "The Rockford Files," "Sanford and Son." Voice of a Friend is available at such locations as Border Books, Tower Records, and The Wherehouse, in Fresno. Mr. Ono continues to perform actively, and can be heard at the Java Hut on the last Friday of each month. For more information, contact: Steve Ono Post Office Box 168 Fresno, CA 93707 Phone 559/266-4762 http://www.onomuse.com - Randy Krbechek © 2001 Check CD Shakedown for Weekly Reviews of Music CDs and New Albums