After an exhilarating, intense 2-year recording effort, proudly presented here is Steve Sloan’s new 14-song CD “Old Mexico,” including 5 original compositions. Steve, a former New Christy Minstrel, plays all the mostly acoustic instruments (except mandolin and steel/bass guitar*), including his mighty Martin D-35 dreadnought guitar, harmonica, drums, tambourine, lead vocals and harmonies, rhythm stix, cymbals, anvil and gazatchka. Each song is produced with a creative, bold interpretation resulting in an album of beautiful, stirring country-folk music. Musical instruments are normally played steadily throughout a song to keep the beat, but here instruments and other sounds often come in and out so as to enhance particular moments; also, the combination of guitar, harmonica and whistling produces a mystical haunting sound. The song “They Promised Me,” which Steve wrote about a slave emancipated in 1865, is reproduced here from the original album “El Paso;” and in 2010 this song was a minor “hit” and rose to No. 12 on the TopRadio100 and No. 4 on the TopCollegeRadio. *Fender-precision bassRave Reviews for “El Paso”: “Just loved the new ‘El Paso’ CD!!”- - Cynthia Chilton-Hauck “The tasteful songs Sloan sings in “El Paso” are heartfelt and sincere, and he unashamedly keeps the spirit of the ‘60s alive with this earnest album. BUY IT: “El Paso and Other Tales.”- - Paul Liberatore, Marin Independent Journal (Top SF Bay Area music critic). “The CD is wonderful. The simple stories told with melodic emotion are very enjoyable to the ear - - repeatedly. Many thanks for great entertainment.”- - Edw. Tamler “Steve has a great voice and his guitar playing is exceptional. His choice of ballads are interesting and make for great listening. We particularly liked his rendition of “El Paso” and his version of “Walk the Line” is as good as that of Johnny Cash. He shows great versatility, and his voice has a good range. It is clear why he was . . . a credit to the New Christy Minstrels.- - Jan and Scott Conner