Guitarist Esteban is known worldwide for his heartfelt music. For many years, he played at the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, which is where he was when he released his first album. Since then, he’s released several more, and continues to play to sold-out audiences.
Here, we talk to him about playing guitar, performing with family, living in Tempe, and more. EstebanMusic.com
How did you get started in music?
My uncle George played on his hi-fi beautiful music for me when I was 5 years old. Almost every weekend I was listening to his big hi-fi, and we heard everything from folk music to flamenco guitar to opera to symphonies, etc. As a little kid, I was mesmerized.
Your real name is Stephen Paul … can you tell us how you began going by Esteban?
Andres Segovia saw my name Stephen, spelled with a "PH", and from then on, he called me Esteban, which is Stephen in Spanish.
How long did you study with him?
I studied with maestro from 1975-1979.
The biggest lesson he taught you?
To play scales two hours a day.
You began playing at the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch in 1990. You played there for a long time …
What an adventure that was! I would love to have a steady [gig] in the Valley again. Who wants to recreate that? I do!
During that time, you released your first album. What inspired it?
My first album was Songs from My Heart. What inspired it was my deep love of pure melody. Every song on that album has a lovely, pure melody and that in itself is very inspiring. When I hear or compose a melody, I drift away to another place. Peace and love are the only things present in this “another place.” No fighting, no wars, no poverty, no pain.
Accomplishment you’re most proud of?
Good question! I’ll have to say my eight Number One Billboard albums. Each one is a little different, but they are all straight from my heart.
Favorite song to play?
“Runaway.” Watch the YouTube video, it’s fun!
Favorite song you’ve written?
“Silver Raine.”
Tell us about living in Tempe …
We loved living on Shalimar golf course! Our family used to take long walks on the golf course at night; so peaceful and green. An oasis in the city.
Any favorite places around the area?
We were happy when they opened the very first Cold Stone Creamery on Southern in Tempe! We love Macayo’s and had many a meal there as a family when my girls were young.
Tell us what it’s like performing with your daughter, Teresa Joy.
My daughter, Teresa Joy, and myself perform from our hearts! I really mean that. No mind. No structure. Just the pure love between us manifests in our music. She knows what I am going to play before I play it! The vibration between us is beyond incredible!
One thing we’d be surprised to learn about you?
I am 75 and I work out two-and-a-half hours a day. I play my scales two hours a day. I meditate an hour a day.
When and where can we catch your next performance?
Sun., July 14 at the Musical Instrument Museum.
"We loved living on Shalimar golf course! Our family used to take long walks on the golf course at night; so peaceful and green."