Schemer-Dreamer / That’s All Right

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! Your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the rockin’ vibes of Steve Walsh’s “Schemer-Dreamer / That’s All Right” from his 1980 solo album Schemer-Dreamer. This track is a wild ride, blending a piano-driven rock anthem with a nod to Elvis Presley’s classic “That’s All Right.” The song “Schemer-Dreamer” is a lyrical takedown of manipulative schemers and fleeting dreamers, with lines like “lighting candles at both ends” and “playing king with all his friends” painting a vivid picture of ambition gone awry. Walsh’s powerful vocals, backed by a killer lineup including Steve Morse on guitar and Kansas bandmates Kerry Livgren, Phil Ehart, and Rich Williams, give it that raw, stadium-rock energy. Fun fact: the album’s cover art, featuring Walsh in a bold pose, has been called one of the cheesiest in rock history by AllMusic, yet fans love its tongue-in-cheek charm. Walsh wrote most of the album’s tracks between 1978 and 1979 while touring with Kansas, hinting at the creative tensions that led to his temporary exit from the band after their 1980 album Audio-Visions.

Digging deeper, “Schemer-Dreamer” stands out for its departure from Kansas’s progressive rock sound, leaning into a looser, more mainstream rock vibe. A review from The College Crowd Digs Me calls it a “piano-driven rock-breaker with killer vocals and wicked fun lyrics,” wishing it had gotten more airplay back in the day. The track’s B-side, “That’s All Right,” is a cover of the 1954 Elvis hit, showing Walsh’s love for rockabilly roots. Interestingly, Walsh declined to be interviewed for the 2017 remastered release of Schemer-Dreamer by Rocktopia, leaving fans curious about his thoughts on this solo venture. Despite mixed reviews, with some calling it “clichéd” on Rate Your Music, the album holds a special place for Kansas completists and fans of Walsh’s unmistakable voice.

Let’s rewind to how Steve Walsh got his start. Born on June 15, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, Walsh grew up in a musical family and was drawn to rock and roll early on. He moved to Topeka, Kansas, where he joined local bands, most notably White Clover, a group that evolved from two earlier bands named Kansas. When White Clover signed with Don Kirshner’s label in the early 1970s, they adopted the name Kansas, becoming the third lineup to use it. Walsh’s soaring vocals and keyboard skills became the heart of the band’s sound, propelling them to fame with hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” from albums Leftoverture (1976) and Point of Know Return (1977). His commanding stage presence, praised by tour veterans on his official website, made Kansas a must-see live act, even opening for legends like The Rolling Stones.

Want to keep up with Steve Walsh? Check out his official website at stevewalshrocks.com for the latest news and tour updates. You can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses. While Walsh doesn’t appear to have an active X account, fans keep the vibe alive on platforms like Steve Walsh Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks can connect and share their love for his music. For more Kansas-related fan action, visit kansasband.com or join discussions on Prog Archives, a hub for progressive rock enthusiasts. So, crank up “Schemer-Dreamer / That’s All Right” and let’s keep the rock rolling!