Steve Howe – Signals Crossed (10” Vinyl EP)
You might remember that not so long ago I was lucky enough to interview Steve Howe for the third time – yes, I’ll sneak that in again – and around the same period I reviewed his wonderful Portraits of Bob Dylan album. Well, Steve has now released something genuinely special for collectors: Signals Crossed, a 10” vinyl EP limited to just 500 copies worldwide.
That alone is enough to make most vinyl fans sit up and pay attention, but this release goes far deeper than simple scarcity.
A beautifully simple package
Signals Crossed arrives as a 10” EP on white vinyl, playing at 33⅓ RPM, and contains three tracks on the A-side. The B-side is a so-called mirror side – completely blank. Some might initially question that decision, but in practice it makes perfect sense. You drop the needle once and enjoy all three performances in one uninterrupted listen, without jumping up halfway through. It’s a deliberate, thoughtful choice rather than a compromise.
Importantly, this EP is not available on CD. If you want Signals Crossed as a physical artefact, this vinyl edition is it.
The music: three Dylan songs, three perspectives
The EP draws its material from Portraits of Bob Dylan, but these versions feel intimate, focused, and deeply personal.
“I Want You”
This track is something quite extraordinary. Steve Howe’s vocal and guitar were recorded simultaneously, capturing a natural, unforced performance that feels completely honest. Apart from subtle vocal harmonies by Stephanie Sounds and Paul K. Joyce, it’s essentially just Steve – and in my view, this is the finest vocal performance I’ve ever heard from him. His voice sounds relaxed, confident, and beautifully matched to the acoustic guitar. You can hear how much this song means to him.
“One Too Many Mornings”
Originally sung by Phoebe Snow on Portraits of Bob Dylan, this version shifts the mood. Here it’s more electric, and it features a stunning pedal steel guitar solo that adds real emotional weight. Jeff Downs appears on keyboards, with Dylan Howe on drums, and the whole arrangement breathes with space and subtle power.
“Mama, You’ve Been on My Mind”
A wonderfully detailed performance featuring Steve on vocals, acoustic, Spanish and bass guitars, with keyboards and harmonies from Paul K. Joyce and drums by Dylan Howe. The acoustic guitar solo here is simply gorgeous. And as a guitarist myself, I love that Steve tells us exactly which instruments he’s using – a Martin MC-38, a Gibson Chet Atkins, a Kono Model 10, and a Rickenbacker bass. It’s like your favourite chef telling you where the ingredients came from. No matter the guitar, though, Steve Howe always sounds unmistakably like Steve Howe.
A true collector’s piece
Signals Crossed won’t be for everyone – and that’s exactly the point. This is a bespoke, carefully considered vinyl EP, made for those who value physical media, thoughtful presentation, and performances that feel real and unpolished in the best possible way.
With only 500 copies pressed worldwide, once it’s gone, it’s gone. If this speaks to you, you’ll need to move quickly.
As always, thank you for being here. Remember: music is the healer and the doctor. Take care, and I’ll see you very soon.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
