FOR YOUR GRAMMYⓇ CONSIDERATION
ALBUM OF THE YEAR – Stardust In Disguise
BEST AMERICANA PERFORMANCE – Scarecrow Dreams”
RECORD OF THE YEAR – “Scarecrow Dreams”
SONG OF THE YEAR – “Scarecrow Dreams”
BEST AMERICAN ROOTS SONG – “If I Had My Way”
BEST AMERICAN ROOTS PERFORMANCE – “If I Had My Way”
BEST ENGINEERED ALBUM, NON-CLASSICAL – Stardust In Disguise – Joe Chiccarelli
BEST ALBUM COVER – Stardust In Disguise – John Coulter
BEST MUSIC VIDEO – “Private Eye”
ALBUM OF THE YEAR – Stardust In Disguise
BEST AMERICANA ALBUM – Stardust In Disguise
“Stardust In Disguise” is a deeply personal, collaboratively created album produced by
the multi-GRAMMY® winner Joe Chiccarelli that blends Bardwil’s storytelling instincts
with a joyful, melodic, rhythmic Americana sensibility. With his creative compass set
toward optimism and connection, Bardwil’s music avoids melancholia in favor of
inspiration; crafting songs and stories that uplift without preaching, both timeless and
contemporary, echoing Bardwil’s deep respect for folk, rock and roots traditions while
employing modern studio craftsmanship.
The album features the songs “Scarecrow Dreams” and “If I Had My Way.”
The Steve Bardwil Band members include: Johnny Stachela (electric guitars), Max Butler
(B3 organ, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, synthesizer and vocals), Vince Fossell (Drums, congas
and percussion), Aaron Leibowitz (saxophones and flute), Frank Coglitore (bass),
Catherine Jayne (vocals) and of course Steve (acoustic guitar and lead vocals).
The album also features Scarlet Rivera (Bob Dylan), playing violin on
“Scarecrow Dreams,” and “The Way You Look At Things.”
From L to R: Steve Bardwil, Catherine Jayne, Aaron Leibowitz, Max Butler, Vince Fossett,
Johnny Stachela, Frank Coglitore
“Coiled in wistful love songs and messages of encouragement,
Bardwil is finding a way to make the ephemeral last just a little longer.”
-SPIN
“A sterling set of pop-centric rockers, propelled by steady assertive
rhythms and melodies that take hold immediately from the get-go.”
-Lee Zimmerman
(Noted writer for American Songwriter)
“Sonically rich album…an all-around feel-good
time that can’t be shaken or shunned; relish in its optimistic glow!”
-Tracking Angle
“The band serves up their message in a rich tapestry of psychedelic verve.”
-Relix Magazine
RECORD OF THE YEAR – “Scarecrow Dreams”
SONG OF THE YEAR – “Scarecrow Dreams”
BEST AMERICANA PERFORMANCE – Scarecrow Dreams”
“The Steve Bardwil Band Draw Inspiration From Bob Dylan on Their Brand New Americana-Charged Single “Scarecrow Dreams”
-SPIN
Steve recalls “after watching the Bob Dylan biopic, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, I woke up in the middle of the night with the words ‘Scarecrow in the Field’ and ‘rabbits on the run’ looping in I head…
“As I sometimes do when I get crazy thoughts while sleeping, I got up and wrote them down. When I woke up that morning, I had no memory of those Scarecrow words that had come to me until I saw them written down.”
“I wondered, is there a song here? I immediately thought of the scarecrow from The Wizard
of Oz, remembering that he wanted to have a brain. I asked myself… what would the
scarecrow in a new song want? Then I thought of Pinocchio and thought this scarecrow wants to become a person… He wants to be alive. I came upon the idea the song could be about a guy and a girl, both looking to find love, start their journey together in a field with a scarecrow who dreams of being alive… and that night all their dreams come true.”
SCARECROW DREAMS features Scarlet Rivera (Bob Dylan) on violin.
BEST AMERICAN ROOTS PERFORMANCE – “If I Had My Way”
BEST AMERICAN ROOTS SONG – “If I Had My Way”
Steve’s songwriting comes from a place of optimism, hope and imagination against a backdrop of a challenged world. “If I Had My Way” is Steve’s wish and call to action to end hunger, violence, war, homelessness, hate, loneliness, lies and sickness, and move the world towards unity, goodness, love, truth and hope. Steve and vocalist Catherine Jayne sing this song as a duet.
BEST ENGINEERED ALBUM, NON-CLASSICAL –
Stardust In Disguise – Joe Chiccarelli
An 11-time GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning producer, engineer and mixer, Joe Chiccarelli has helped shape the sonic landscape of pop and rock music since the 1980’s. His tremendous list of production and engineering credits includes sessions with Elton John, U2, Tori Amos, Beck, Morrissey, Jason Mraz, Alanis Morissette, and the White Stripes. Deeply impressed by Steve Bardwil’s songwriting and verve, Chiccarelli signed on to engineer and produce the band’s debut album, “Nothing But Time” (2025). “Stardust In Disguise” is the Steve Bardwil Band’s follow-up stellar album.
The result speaks for itself.
BEST ALBUM COVER –
Stardust In Disguise – John Coulter
John attended the Art Institute of Chicago, the University of Illinois and UCLA. A partial list of his graphic design clients includes Madonna, Elton John, Janet and Michael Jackson, Shakira, Barbra Streisand, The Who, Lionel Richie, Paula Abdul, Enrique Iglesias, Josh Groban, Neil Diamond, George Michael, Crosby Stills & Nash, Kenny Loggins, Bobby Brown, Wynonna, Mariah Carey, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Steve Winwood.
John designed the USA For Africa / We Are The World album and Elton John’s 1st
ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION logo. He also created the MUSICARES logo for NARAS.
You can view John’s work at johncoulterart.com
A picture of an umbrella with coaxial stripes was projected on top of Steve and the band at the album photoshoot, to convey the concentric star-filled arms of the Milky Way Galaxy. The powerful swirls have a subtle affinity with the album title – “Stardust In Disguise.”
The photos were extensively posterized by John Coulter for dramatic effect.
BEST MUSIC VIDEO – “Private Eye”
Steve Bardwil’s improbable dream became real in 2022, when he transitioned from Chief Counsel at Disney Studios to songwriter, singer and leader of the Steve Bardwil Band.
A prolific songwriting machine that leads from the heart fostering copious helpings of the human condition, the Steve Bardwil Band continues to write and record with a talented collective of highly sought after producers and visual masterminds, creating a distinctive body of work that seamlessly blends compelling artistry. It’s with innovative prowess combined with a robust visual identity the Steve Bardwil Band continues to push their creative boundaries while staying true to the authentic spirit and emotional core of the music.
