Reflections In the Key of Life is an autobiographical work focused on and penned by trumpeter Steve Madaio, along with the assistance of Tad Sisler. Recording his life as a musician through the turbulent social changes of the 1960s, through pivotal events such as Woodstock and his work with plenty of famous faces, this unique portrait gives us insight into the figures who work alongside those stars on whom we so often shine the spotlight. Here, Steve Madaio’s influence on popular music is unveiled and appreciated in the context of the shifting sands of the music industry, teaching important lessons about talent, hard work, opportunity and life in general.
I really enjoyed getting to know Steve Madaio through this intimate portrait of his life and work. Focusing heavily on the music, it’s easy to see how passionate a musician Steve was throughout his varied and exciting career. There is plenty of appeal in this work for aficionados - for example, the tales of how he worked with John Lennon and the Rolling Stones - giving us a special insight into the music industry and exciting artists that we know from afar. Steve’s experience is really brought to life, however, by his insightful reflections on the big and small moments that shaped him throughout his career, and it’s here that we find the real golden nuggets of empathy, wisdom, and inspiration in the work. Overall, Reflections In the Key of Life is an accomplished work by Steve Madaio and Tad Sisler which music fans are sure to love.