With the Sept. 4 release of his new CD, "Quid Pro Quo," on Sphere Sound Records, Sulton has much to celebrate. Although the musician has performed on many albums including nine releases with the progressive rock band Utopia, this is only his second solo; his first, "Kasim," having been released in the early 80's.
"I've been pushing it back, pushing it back, and I just couldn't relegate it to the backseat any longer," he said. "I knew it was time to clear everything off my plate and get it done and out there."
The album contains 10 tracks plus "a little surprise." Other than the "two good friends who played a solo here and a rhythm there," it is totally Sulton.
"It's all me. That's why it took so long to complete," he remarked.
Sulton's background includes recording and performing with a wide variety of artists, including The Indigo Girls, Mick Jagger, Bon Jovi, Jim Steinman, Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, and Joan Jett, whom he also toured with as an official member of the Blackhearts.
Sulton assesses the music scene much the way his parents did -- only differently.
"The music these days has changed so much. I remember when I was growing up, my parents would say, "I can't believe what you call music."
At that time, Sulton's interests were along the lines of Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, "all that British invasion stuff," as well as Motown and the popular music of the 60's and 70's.
"I find myself saying the same thing about the music to my children," he said, noting that his older daughter is into hip-hop and rap.
"I appreciate that music... I just don't understand it," he laughed.
In describing the songs on his new album, Sulton said he generally doesn't like to "pigeon hole stuff," but with this CD, he can.
"On Quid Pro Quo, you'll find just pop music, three to four minute melodies with decent lyrics you can hum to, listen to without being offended... just good music, in my humble opinion," he said.
Sulton will be setting out on a solo tour of select U.S. cities beginning in September.
"Whenever Meat Loaf takes a hiatus, I do solo shows," Sulton said. "Meat goes and does his movie career for a little while and a couple of golf tournaments during September and October, then we start again in November and play through New Year's."
Sulton said he hopes Quid Pro Quo is well received and he looks forward to future releases.
"I'm really excited. You don't know how much it means to me to finally have it out there. And to get to play as the opener at Saturday's show... I can't thank Meat Loaf enough for the opportunity."
For more information about "Quid Pro Quo," on the Internet visit www.KasimSulton.com