Maybe it was just a time in my life that I romanticized and that's why I consider certain albums like "Men Without Women", "Dedication", "I Don't Wanna Go Home", "Yo Frankie", "Rescue", "Knife Feels Like Justice", "Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School", and "Voice of America". some of my all-time favorite albums, but man when I hear a song like "Savn' Up" by Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers or "Maria" by Brian Setzer "Last Time" by Gary U.S. Bonds, or "Undefeated" by Little Steven, it makes my heart smile and takes me back to another place and time.

I've been a huge Steven fan from the moment I realized back in the late 70s that he was, not only a part of the E Street Band, but he also wrote some of my favorite Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes songs that I had just gotten into at that time. Back then I was consuming everything and anything that was "Asbury Park" and when "Men Without Women" came out, after first listen, I immediately became a Disciple of Soul (John Borden, I know you get it).

It's not a coincidence that my favorite album of all-time will always be Stevie Van Zandt's "Men Without Women" (and I am so glad I was able to tell him when I met him in Buffalo) and my favorite show will always be Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul at the University of Buffalo when I first met Steven,...when he told this little 16-year-old kid about this great new Bruce album, "Born In The USA", that was coming out.

Years later, after thinking a reunion would NEVER happen, I was not only able to bring Evan to witness this incredible rock and roll show that I had been talking about for years, but that night we got to meet him and talk to him at the Buffalo Library and then again after the show, thanks to Eddie Manion, the great saxman from the Jukes, The Disciples of Soul, and the E Street Band.

Last summer I finally got around to reading his book, "Unrequited Infatuations: A Memoir". I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the insight into his career, but being a visual guy, I was so looking forward to this documentary, "Disciple"....and damn, it was all I had hoped for and more. Maybe the best documentary I've seen. Up there with the History of the Eagles. Just wish it was longer!!!

Appearances by Jesse Malin, our friends Vincent Pastore and Willie Nile, as well as, Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie "freakin' Vedder, Darlene Love, DION, and so many others who admire Steven's work in music and his courageous activism. His love for rock and roll and preserving the music is not just admirable but it's necessary. Thank you, Stevie!

And now, how cool is this, our friend Bobby Mahoney, is now on Stevie's Wicked Cool Records!! Hell ya!

If you have Crave/HBO, check out Disciple. You'll learn about, not just his time with Bruce Springsteen and Southside, but all he has done to preserve and promote rock and roll, peace, and love!...and of course, his acting roles in The Sopranos and Lilyhammer.

If you haven't already, you have to delve into Stevie's amazing catalogue - from the Jukes feel of "Men Without Women" to the punk/political songs of "Voice of America" to the hard rockin "Born Again Savage" and right up to his latest record "Summer of Sorcery"...the music is uplifting, brilliant, thought-provoking, and, for me, pure joy.

So there you have it. I'm a Disciple of Soul. I guess it was something on the radio, sayin' "come on, come on"