bio Rochester, NY native Steve Cunningham began playing  guitar at age 14, where he was influenced by such diverse artists as Led Zeppelin, Pat Metheny, Yes, and the Brecker Brothers, as well as classical and bluegrass music.  After years of playing and touring with various rock, country, and Top 40/dance bands, including his own original instrumental rock trio "The Value of X", Steve released his first solo CD, "Travels", in 1995.  Featuring blazing, yet tasteful electric, acoustic, and slide guitar playing, "Travels" still enjoys steady sales, as well as daily airplay on national radio.  Later in '95, Steve relocated to Atlanta, where he began playing the lap steel, immersing himself in the styles of David Lindley, western-swing  great Tom Morrell, and Sacred Steel player Aubrey Ghent.  

In 2003, Steve released his second solo CD  "Dubious Tones", a blend of jazz, rock,  blues, and bluegrass.  "Dubious Tones", has received national airplay and rave reviews in publications such as "Modern Drummer " and "20th Century Guitar" along with on-line publications including  www.musicdish.com and www.guitarnoise.com.

In 2006, Steve released "Rustic Spirit", a  collection of hymns performed on slide guitars combined with his own unique musical voice complementing these traditional songs.   "Rustic Spirit" is a roots-based instrumental approach with a blend of blues and gospel, with jazz inflections added in.  This soulful  blend of styles will be a favorite of all music lovers.

One of the most in-demand guitarist on the Atlanta scene,  Steve performs over 200 dates a year playing jazz, R&B, rock, funk, nouveau-flamenco, blues, pop and western-swing among other styles.  He has recently played with Grammy nominated Susan Tedeschi, long-time members of the James Brown band, and Grammy Award winner William Bell, as well as opening for Jeff Beck, The Barenaked Ladies, Kool and the Gang, Dream Theatre, The Four Tops, Chuck Mangione, and Blondie.  In addition, he has performed at the Southeast Emmy Awards, The World Series, and headlined at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

Steve is a first-call session player, playing on hundreds of local and national CD releases, TV and radio commercials, and movie soundtracks.  He has recorded for Coca-Cola, Ford, IBM, Cartoon Network, Microsoft, CNN and NASCAR to name a few, as well as recording with the London Symphony Orchestra.

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