As we spoke, Steve told me he worked with Helen Reddy on “Center Stage”, her great comeback album in the 1990′s, where she sings some of Broadway’s less familiar gems. Told him I was a fan of Ms. Reddy back in the 70′s (loved her voice and her classic Grammy winning speech for “I am Woman”–”I’d like to thank G-d; SHE made everything possible”). Steve asked for my contact information and promised me a CD. Never thought I’d hear from him again, but sure enough, when I arrived back in New York, Ms. Reddy’s CD was in my mailbox with a personal note penned by the orchestration genius himself.

And by the way, Ms. Reddy is in top form covering songs dating back to “Flower Drum Song” and “Call Me Madam” to the more recent “Sunset Boulevard” and “Blood Brothers.” Her voice interprets Steve’s lush orchestrations beautifully. That CD is going to get a lot of play!

I wish Steve the very best with “Snapshots”. I get to Ohio every so often on business (was there this week in fact), so perhaps I can catch it.