Steve Sizemore Group

"This is only a 6-song “demo” that SSG peddles at their KISS EXPO appearances…but I was so impressed (both with the band live and this CD) that I just had to review it. While there are two KISS songs included, SSG is no mere KISS-knockoff that is trying to ride the coat-tails of the ‘masters of marketing’. Sure, some of SSG’s original songs would fit perfectly on KISS ALIVE, but I also hear the influences of CHEAP TRICK and ELO. And a big difference between KISS and SSG is that SSG utilizes harmony vocals more"

"This is a CD that you wanna crank in your car stereo as you speed down the highway. “Beautiful Dust” hits you from the grassy knoll and easily achieves ‘the coolest song in the world’ for this issue of EAR CANDY. It remindes me of a great lost CHEAP TRICK song with elements of Paul McCartney and ELO thrown in. This song is a sign of potential greatness for SSG. When you add the strength of the other originals, you've got some heavy expectations for the first full length SSG record. I for one think they are up for the challenge."

Ear Candy Online Magazine, Atlanta, GA.

With influences ranging from The Beatles and Cheap Trick to KISS and Aerosmith, SSG sticks to a proven formula...great hooks and melodies, rich harmonies and loud guitars! Never concerned with being the “next big thing”, they have simply stuck to creating straightforward rock and roll for 13 years.

In 1992, Rodney Isaacs (guitar) and Brett Parker (guitar) would team up with Steve Sizemore (drums) in what was then called “Contagious”, a band that was already on the road supporting their first independently released album. In the years to come, the band would release their second and third albums and play hundreds of shows all across the Eastern US.

In 2000, Contagious would transform into SSG with Steve taking over bass guitar and adding long-time friend Dave Browning on drums. The band recorded two KISS songs for albums that would be released online. Those recordings spawned some very unique opportunities for the band that would include playing at several KISS Expos, New York to Omaha, Winnipeg to New Orleans. One huge honor came in 2002 when the band was invited to New York to play at the 51st birthday bash for original KISS guitarist, Ace Frehley.

Not only have they become an Expo favorite, SSG has been joined onstage by Eric Singer (Kiss, Alice Cooper), Ron Keel (Keel, Ironhorse), Kenny Kweens and Alex Grossi (Beautiful Creatures), Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys), Hirsh Gardner (New England) and Bob Kulick (studio guitarist for various artist including Kiss, Alice Cooper and Meatloaf). KISS Guitarist Bruce Kulick (also, Grand Funk Railroad) has actually used SSG as his “band” for several shows over the last few years. (Name dropping officially ends here)

“SSG rocked the house”

“As always...SSG and Bruce blew the roof off the place....”

“Bruce jammin’ with SSG was the highlight of the evening.”


- Above are Fan Reviews at kissonline.com.

The Steve Sizemore Group appear on the final KAOL 3 CD with a traditional cover from Paul's solo album. It's raw rock and roll with their signature melodic harmonies and guitar work. It rocks!

"I first heard the guys from the Steve Sizemore Group on a CD they sent from their band "Contagious". A blend of Styx, Journey, Kansas, and the Beatles, their sound was familiar yet refreshing. Heavy vocal harmonies and strong melodic songwriting led to the offer to be on KAOL. "The Oath" is definitely one of the most difficult songs to pull off on the Soundtrack. The drumming and vocal performances alone were challenging enough, let alone the production techniques that must be employed to create the sound that KISS found on the original version. This song was assigned to the guys based on their previous work and they came thru with shining colors. The production surpasses the original and the performance is fantastic as well. It may be the last song on the disc but it's definitely a show of talent and a powerhouse. You've got to appreciate the incredible layered vocals and thunderous drum sound (achieved in the studio with an old 4 piece Ludwig!)".

- Kathy Labonte, Producer of the KAOL KISS Tribute series.


"SSG hit the stage and I was unprepared to be blown away by a band that didn’t even wear make-up…but I was! The band takes the KISS tribute from a different angle - and that is performing lesser-known KISS songs. Plus, SSG is comprised of 3 great singing voices, with no one person taking all the lead vocals. Being a huge Ace fan, you can imagine my enjoyment when the band played LOTS of Ace Frehley songs! And sure, in the spirit of KISS there were many pyrotechnics. Also, the band had the balls to play three originals, which actually went over pretty well." (the band’s demo CD is also reviewed in this issue). Here is the show's setlist:

* “Got Love For Sale”
* “Tomorrow & Tonight”
* “Love Her All I Can”
* “Speeding Back to My Baby”
* “Torpedo Girl”
* “Rip It Up”
* “She”
* “Parasite”
* “100,000 Years”

-Ear Candy Online Magazine, Atlanta, GA.

Currently, the band is working on a new album, but the real treat is seeing them live! With energy and presence unmatched by so many of today’s “wannabes”, SSG proves why there’s nothing like pure Rock and Roll!

Wanna come along?