Guitar World Jan '06

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The debut solo CD from Long Island based guitarist Steve Booke is a thoroughly captivating and quite meditative affair that often hits the musical target with an appealing blend of moody and progressive New Age, folk-jazz and world beat instrumentals. A young musician with clear, natural abilities on acoustic guitar, Booke is joined by percussionist David Penna on the 14 track Rare Earth. The reflective 72-minute set will be embraced by New Age fans, yet there's no denying the jazzier, hypnotic influences ECM guitarists like Ralph Towner and Steve Tibbetts. Another influence at work on Rare Earth is guitarist Jimmy Page, specifically his acoustic work on Led Zeppelin III. A definite high point is the three part closer "Spiral Universe", which combines some intriguing and spontaneous musical interplay between Booke and Penna. On Rare Earth, Booke lives up to his belief that, "Music is the link between the heart and soul, it speaks in its own words that which otherwise cannot be spoken." A Berklee College of Music graduate whose influences include Steve Morse and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Booke proves that on Rare Earth he's a talent worth keeping an eye on.
20th Century Guitar, November 1999



Not since Rich Stein have I heard such local mastery of the acoustic guitar. Drawing heavy influences from Jimmy Page and Michael Hedges- Rare Earth is a rare jem of acoustic brilliance. Steve collaborates with drummer /percussionist David Penna on a soundscape of cascading bliss. To the semi-educated ear one can see that Steve is a formalist, incorporating many influences and styles in a ratatouille that is both refreshing and original. Though at times somber, morbid and melancholy, Steve and partner in recording and collaborating David Penna have produced a provocative and intriguing twelve song CD which runs well over an hour. Although it comes close it never really reaches the pyrotechnics of Vai, Satriani or Johnson, but it's good, Damn good. Then again Rare Earth, is also all acoustic- Rare Earth should be a staple in any guitar student's CD collection, and a staple to the aspiring acoustic performer. More than anything else which really impressed me about Steve Booke's debut CD is his adroit prowess and knowledge through implementation of classical phrasings, and the balls to go astray. With baroque moderation, restraint and formality on an otherwise bluesy-middle eastern offering, Rare Earth is an album to buy and keep.
Long Island Entertainment, October 1999


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Give Steve Booke an acoustic guitar, open tunings, a solid percussionist (David Penna) to accompany him, and he can drone and raga strum nearly indefinately. Harmonics, rhythmic changes, syncopation, mini-riffs,a pull-off here, a hammer-on there, slides, open chords banging...and that adrenalin gets going....if you want droning, strumming wash of acoustic guitar playing to relax hours away or to jam with, then Booke's Rare Earth is for you.
Progression Magazine, Spring 2000




Outstanding acoustic guitar melodies and excellent composition skills weave through this new instrumental CD from Steve Booke. Rare Earth consists of Steve performing all acoustic guitars and percussionist, David Penna. Much like the goal of New Age music, the CD leaves you with an uplifting feeling. However, unlike much New Age there is a lot of fire and excitement in Steve's playing. Weaving melodies with counterpoint bass lines are fast moving and exciting. The percussion includes world beat instruments such as bongos, log drum, wood sticks and various other sound makers that are alien to most rock players. The performance and execution on this CD are top-notch as well as the production values. I could definately see this CD standing well on a label such as Higher Octave. If you like the sound of acoustic guitar and would like to hear something with pizazz and flair, I would recommend adding this CD to your collection.
Guitar 2001, Winter 2000

The Aquarian Weekly - The Grind Zone

This record is not metal, however it has much to offer, as the attitude and performance is very reminiscent of a rock record. David Penna, drummer of now-defunct metal outfit Planet Hate provided the percussion for this great disc. This is 12 tracks of alternate tunings, great production, and solid delivery. Standouts are "Spiral Universe", "Architecture" and "India". It's a record of mostly solo acoustic guitar and percussion. However, you never miss the other instruments as you're taken in by the music.
November 24, 1999


The Inside Connection

This completely instrumental CD really surprised me. Normally instrumental guitar CDs are usually boring masturbatory rock solos or boring hippy s***. Steve Booke is neither. Utilizing a nice eastern flair in his guitar work, Steve is actually quite interesting. There is definate movie soundtrack potential here. The music is rich and deep and vibrant. "Purple" and "India" are very much influenced by Middle Eastern and obviously Indian musical styles. "Winter", while still utilizing this style, is slightly more upbeat with more pronounced percussion. "Orange" is a gentler, slower acoustic song that reminds me of a British band, All About Eve. "Alone" put me in the mind of some of the acoustic work on Pink Floyd's The Wall. It is a quiet and soulful song that fans of acoustic guitar should enjoy. Not being well versed in both acoustic guitar and eastern music styles I am probably not describing this as well as I could be. However, if you like checking out something a little different, this could be it.
January 2000


Atmospheric acoustic open-tuned emotional strumming with occasional single lines, backed by solid percussion and drums, is exactly what you'll find in Steve Booke's 14 instrumental song CD, Rare Earth. Mostly minor tunings here with the flavor of harmonic minor Egyptian sounding passing notes, the music is mostly short of relaxing, it is intensely airy. Put on a walkman, get on the mountain bike, and work like hell to this mountain sounding music that will inspire the best out of your strain. Put it on during an art exhibition of controversial and disturbing art. Easily, Booke's music can find a permanent home in sound tracks/film. His music is dark with ancient flavors - creative, performed with precision, and spiritual. Highlights on the CD are track 2, "Purple" with its cool instrumental break that comes around 3 minutes into the tune - funky and smooth. "Architecture", mp3'd here, gives the best sense of the rest of the record - it starts with a single line and moves into its air. Percussion David Penna, exhibits tremendous talent and instinct for what kind of accompaniment Booke's guitar textures require - a match made in musical heaven.
Ear Buzz, September 1999