Sterling Witt’s latest recording, “Shadows & Secrets,” is his sixth full-length recording since his inaugural self-titled EP in 2000. Like its predecessors, “Secrets” reveals the works of a songwriter who ignores boundaries without straying into chaos or abstractions. It also illustrates Witt’s ability (with the help of producer Steve Phillips of the Elders) to create some outside-the-box arrangements of folk and rock songs. Saturday night, Witt will perform a variety of songs from his hefty repertoire at the Westport Coffee House Theatre. He recently answered a few questions about his music and his influences.

Give us an idea of how you started in music and writing songs.

I was born and raised in the rural countryside of Cass County. I went to school in Harrisonville. I grew up on a farm and spent much of my youth playing by the edge of the Grand River. When I was 15 I picked up the bass guitar and taught myself how to play a right-handed instrument upside-down, left handed. The crafting of lyrics, singing and playing a six-string guitar soon followed. Right from the start I was obsessed with songwriting. I have this overwhelming urge to explore my abilities and push myself to the edge. I’m always looking for my breaking point to see just how far I can go.

Who has had a profound influence on your music?

Nirvana. As a teenager that band had a huge impact on me. Although I don’t listen to them much anymore, I believe they are responsible for many of my moralistic views about what music should and should not be.

Whose songwriting do you admire?

Tom Waits. Often I feel he explores the land of the unknown. I admire that in any artist. For me that is what being an artist is about: pushing yourself to the next level.

What will Saturday’s show be like?

It will be a solo show, with the exception of a duet with Nicolette Paige. Imagine being invited into my living room. It will be a very intimate performance showcasing songs from all of my albums. I have a live performance art/music video planned that will require volunteers from the audience. It’s going to be an experimental blast.

Timothy Finn The Star

Under the shade of trees whose height reflect decades beyond his age, Sterling Witt carries the demeanor of a man who has experienced enough of life to understand that a moment is built to pass. Legs folded clumsily, his posture is straight and face reflects that quite, solemn understanding of one who has been forced to walk through the fires of criticism, yet can crack the moment with a smile, and a soft chuckle.

With a mannered voice, Sterling Witt could be described as the tall, quiet bohemian who floats about a room and waits for his time to listen, rather than speak. That does not mean, however, that his voice is too soft to be heard. It merely means, the listener cannot expect Witt to repeat himself.

"Sometimes, words are [Read More!]