"here. gone." is a modern, eclectic song cycle for voice and string quartet filled with a sense of deep love and humor. Composed and performed by Steven Kowalczyk Santoro, it is an irreverent romp through historical social issues and a personal meditation on life and loss. The resulting songs are universal. Steven recorded the album with the iconic Turtle Island Quartet and is now bringing it to the stage with Chris Devine (violin), Sarah Briggs (violin), Charlotte Malin (viola) and Greg Snedeker (cello).

This is not a classical endeavor. Although composed for these Western European instruments, “here.gone” is imbued with inflections of Jazz, Disco, Rock, Blues, Film music as well as other contemporary styles. And at times, the quartet breaks into improvisation. here. gone. is brimming with complexity yet welcoming to the popular ear. Steven is a professor at Berklee College of Music and was first signed to Atlantic Records, by the legendary Ahmet Ertegun. He has toured with Sting as a background vocalist and has sung on many national TV advertising campaigns. These compositions are sophisticated, yet accessible to the popular ear, while the intensity and soulfulness of Steven’s voice will reach out and grab you.

Steven Santoro's voice caresses the soul. [His] songs are the perfect fusion of contemporary jazz and popular music, coupled with technique, style, spirit and originality. - Tickets Vienna

The New York Observer wrote, “He’s a wildly accomplished performer with a soulful intensity and movie-star sex appeal. [He] takes risks and lands on his feet every time.”  - New York Observer

His arrangements highlight organic attractions of love and personal expression, and with a translucence of effect that allows any listener’s interpretations to glow through.” - All About Jazz