In 1989 Stephen Smoke wrote the novel Trick of the Light (published by Beyond Words Publishing, the same company that published The Secret). At that time he released an album with the same title. It included such well known and respected musicians as Garth Hudson (keyboard player for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group, The Band); David Vaught (bass player for The Flying Burrito Brothers and other famous groups); award-winning songwriter, recording artist and producer, Barry Keenan, and several other well known studio musicians. While the book was never made into a movie, it was optioned by Hemdale (the company that won Best Picture Academy Awards for “Platoon” and “Last Emperor of China”). Most of Stephen's novels (19 and counting) have been optioned for film, and he has written and directed several feature films, including “Street Crimes,” starring Dennis Farina, and “Final Impact.”

Twenty years after Trick of the Light was published he has written a sequel: Cathedral of the Senses. While most of his novels are psychological thrillers or mysteries, these two books fall under the category of inspirational or metaphysical fiction and have the same detective protagonist, Nick Sands. 

Again Stephen has written a companion music album. However, this time he has made the songs available to contemporary artists who will record the songs in their own styles. When the book is released this spring a companion music album will be released at the same time. (Click Here to hear Stephen's versions of the songs.) 

The songs are published by East of Sideways Music (ASCAP). On January 14, 2010, Stephen signed a publishing contract with East of Sideways Music. (Stephen, left, and Barry Keenan, right, the president of East of Sideways, are pictured below).

The signing  took place at the Santa Monica offices of attorney Michael Blaha. East of Sideways will assist Stephen in promoting the songs to quality artists and will administer the Cathedral of the Senses Project. The Project consists of various artists recording and submitting their versions of the songs to East of Sideways Music, which will then, along with Stephen, decide which songs to include on the album.  

Regardless of the “final cut,” most versions of the Cathedral of the Senses songs recorded by all participating artists, will be streamed on the Cathedral of the Senses web site and/or on other participating affiliate sites when the book is published.

For more information on the Cathedral of the Senses Project, please click here.