Guitarist Steve Warendorf of the Moroccan Sheepherders

Apparently 1996 was a good year. That’s when guitarist Steve Warendorf was introduced to fellow musician Scott Burton. The two hit it off, and Steve suggested they jam with his good friend and drummer, Craig Smith. Flash forward years later, and the Moroccan Sheepherders are still making music. The current band includes several musicians performing a lot of music including classic covers and originals. The original music of the Moroccan Sheepherders is difficult to categorize. In their words, “It is a thick, heady mélange of genres, ranging from tribal ambient trance to hard-core, blue-eyed blues-rock. The overarching foundation of the band's sound is dual percussion of Craig and Kyle who together draw on African, Latin, and traditional rock influences to create a hard-driving rhythmic landscape.” Guitarist/Manager/Promoter Steve’s first musical experience was sitting with his great-grandmother at her piano. He played 1st baritone horn in his school band, but, like so many others, he longed for the rock and roll life. That finally arrived in the form of Queen’s News of the World album. And once he heard Led Zeppelin, there was no going back. His first guitar, a 12-string, was purchased for one purpose, to play Zep’s Tangerine. Throughout high school and college, Steve played in cover bands until he jammed with Craig in 1990, forming the band Sound and Body and ultimately creating the unique sound of the Moroccan Sheepherders. They have played at Moose's Tavern, Ocean Place Tiki Bar, Red Bank Riverfest, Dockside and many more over the years. After the interview, check out After Hours at Jersey Coastal Live for more info.