In 1988, Steve Addabbo starts his own Studio "Shelter Island Sound", in Shelter Island, 2 hours from New York City, ready to start working on Shawn Colvin's debut album. In October 1990, the studio was moved to its present location at 30 West 21st Street in New York City.

As producer, engineer and/or arranger, Steve Addabbo has worked with (among others): Dar Williams, Patty Larkin, Brian Kennedy, Paula Cole, Donna Lewis, Lori Carson, Suzzy Roche and Loudon Wainwright III.

Steve Addabo was the producer that A&M placed as responsible for Suzanne Vega's sound after her signing her first professional contract, in 1984. Steve backed Suzanne Vega live, along with guitarrist Jon Gordon, during 1984.

Apart from this live help, Steve Addabo, produced Suzanne Vega's first demos, and co-produced, with Lenny Kaye, Suzanne Vega's two first albums: "Suzanne Vega" (1985) and "Solitude Standing" (1987).

How did it happen that you joined the Suzanne Vega band?

We had met in 1983 and I started recording her in my own 4 track studio on 12th Street in Manhattan. One of the first things I played for her was a version of "The Queen And The Soldier" that I had added 12 string guitar and Synth Bass to. She liked it very much and from there we thought it would work to do some live gigs. I invited Jon Gordon to play with us.

What, according to you, did your way of playing bring to the live performance of Suzanne's songs?

The early live gigs helped bring out her unique qualities as a songwriter and expand her acoustic folk sound to a modern singer-songwriter breaking new ground. By adding some melodic guitar parts, drony synth bass and some background vocal harmonies her songs took on added power and had more impact. The added parts highlighted the strengths of her writing and singing.

Apart from Jon Gordon on guitar, what other accompanyement did you add to the concerts on those early days?

I played electric guitar, 12 string acoustic guitar and keyboard bass. Jon Gordon and I switched between electric guitar and keyboard bass. We also had a sequencer going for "Neighborhood Girls".

What were your main concerns in putting together a touring band for Suzanne Vega? Musicians who were creative and understood what Suzanne was doing. What are the characteristics of Suzanne's music that attract you the most, both as a musician and as a listener? Sharp observational lyric writing, interesting guitar style, distinctive voice.

Photo by Ronald S. Pordy

What are your main music influences, and musicians you look up to?

The Beatles, Mark Knopfler, Peter Gabriel, Chet Atkins, Wes Montgomery, Pete Townshend.

Apart from playing with Suzanne, which are the other projects, you have been participating in, that you're more proud of?

I've been working with Sonya Kitchell since she was 15, Her album "Words Came Back To Me" is about to be released throughout Europe in early 2007 and has done well here in the States at Starbucks and normal retail.