Schemer-Dreamer
Released: January 26, 1980
Steve Walsh's first solo album was created during breaks from touring with Kansas at Axis Sound Studios and Apogee Studios in Atlanta, as well as Capricorn Studios in Macon, Georgia. Steve produced the album as well along with Brad Aaron and Davey Moiré. Steve featured other members of Kansas including Phil Ehart, Kerry Livgren and Rich Williams, as well as future Kansas member Steve Morse who was with the Dixie Dregs at the time. He also featured Tim Gehrt who would later join him in Streets. Steve wrote all of the songs except for the ending tag on the title track and played several instruments, including drums. The album was released on Don Kirshner's label with CBS and Epic.
Length 37:33
Tracks
Side one
1."Schemer-Dreamer/That's All Right" (S. Walsh, Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup) 5:22
2."Get Too Far" (S. Walsh) 4:26
3."So Many Nights" (S. Walsh) 4:19
4."You Think You Got It Made" (S. Walsh, Marie Walsh) 4:16
Side two
5."Every Step of the Way" (S. Walsh) 8:30
6."Just How It Feels" (S. Walsh) 3:39
7."Wait Until Tomorrow" (S. Walsh) 6:01
Alternative take of the inner sleeve photo by Chuck Sillery
Personnel
Steve Walsh - keyboards, lead vocals, vibes, drums (track 3)
Steve Morse - lead electric guitar (track 7)
Phil Ehart - Drums (track 7)
Tim Gehrt - drums (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6)
Allen Sloan - violin, viola (track 6)
Kerry Livgren - electric guitar (track 4)
David Bryson - electric guitar (track 2)​
Merle McLain - bass (tracks 1, 2, 3, 7)
Duane Buckler - bass guitar (track 4, 5)
Turner Gaugh - bass (track 6)​
Vic Hancock - handclaps​
Skip Lane - saxophone (track 7)
Cecil Welch - trumpet (track 7)
Rich Williams - electric and acoustic guitars (track 1)
Jeff Lux - electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vibraphone, flute, background vocals
Production
Brad Aaron, Davey Moiré - co-producers, engineers
Jimmi Mayweather, David Pinkston, Les Horn, - assistant engineers
George Marion - Mastering at Sterling Sound in New York
Tom Drennon - art direction and design
Will Weston III - cover illustration
Chuck Sillery - photography (back cover and inner sleeve)
Marie Walsh - photography(candid inner sleeve photos)
Painting of back cover photo by: Laurie Larson, original photo by Chuck Sillery