Mel Bay presents Steve Kaufman's Favorite 50 American Traditional Guitar
Steve Kaufman was born April 20, 1957 in New York City. He was introduced to music by his father, a jazz pianist, and his mother, a classically trained pianist. At the age of four, Steve started to play the piano and later moved on to the cello. At 10 he began playing the guitar, but after a few years of strumming, he put the guitar under the bed. At 14, Steve started "picking" the guitar and he has not put it down since.     Steve is the only three time winner of the prestigious National Flatpicking Championships held in Winfield, Kansas. His music covers a broad range of styles. He is an extremely versatile performer and his performances are highlighted by his blazing technic and humor. Here is what some of the great flatpickers and bluegrass musicians have to say about him:    Steve Kaufman is great; the boy can pick. He knows what good music is.  -- Doc Watson  Steve is one of the best young flatpickers in the country. And along with his flair for the hot and flashy, he has some additional ammunition like power, clarity and musical taste.  -- Dan Crary  The tone and phrasing are excellent and most important, the melodic sense is superb. You certainly set some high standards for all of us to aspire to.  -- John Hartford.