Saxophonist/vocalist/percussionist Steve Nieves was raised on a virtual smorgasbord of musical styles in his hometown of San Diego, California. As his parents possessed a love for all kinds of music, he grew up with an unlikely mix of recordings that ranged from artists like James Brown to Sergio Mendes, The Jazz Crusaders to Tito Puente, and many others. Beginning his studies on the alto sax at age 7, young Nieves also started a love affair with percussion, which seemed a natural step for him since he comes from a family of drummers. Adding lead vocals to his arsenal, a teenage Nieves took to the thriving San Diego music scene and soon he was in demand as both a sideman and leader. By his twenties he had worked alongside some of the areas top players including Jason Scheff (now with CHICAGO) and members of the popular smooth jazz group FATTBURGER.
In 1981, Steve made the move north to the Los Angeles area and began touring and recording with a national R&B act. It wasn't long before he had his first major recording contract, signing with Motown Records in 1984 as the front man for JAKATA. That began a longstanding relationship with producer Steve Barri (responsible for signing STEELY DAN). He appeared on DAVE MASON's recording, "Two Hearts" (MCA Records), alongside Stevie Winwood and Phoebe Snow. In 1998, Steve released his solo album "Dream Harvest" (JVC Records) which included both keyboardist Jeff Lorber and bass giant Abraham Laborial. In 1999, Steve and his longtime collaborators formed the group JANGO. Under Barri's guidance they released the album "Dreamtown" (Samson Records) which included a cover of Victor Feldman's "With Your Love" that went on to earn JANGO a nomination for "Best New Artist of the Year" at the 2000 National Smooth Jazz Awards. Their second release "Closer To Home" earned them a spot at Europe's famed North Sea Jazz Festival in 2001.
The new millennium finds Steve as busy as ever juggling appearances with JANGO, as well as renowned guitarist/producer Chieli Minucci (SPECIAL EFX). In the summer of 2005, Steve was tapped for the Loggins & Messina "Sittin' in Again" reunion band...
A DVD of the fifty-city tour is available online and at all major outlets. Since 2001, he has been a regular member of the Lao Tizer Band. Lao (another nominee for "Best New Smooth Jazz Artist") has just released his latest CD "Diversify" (Yse Records) which includes Steve on saxophone, percussion, and vocals.
The Lao Tizer Band Promo Steve can also be found on an upcoming release by southern California's latest entry into the smooth jazz world, Pro2Call.
From Maui to Amsterdam and beyond, he continues to broaden his musical journey in fresh and exciting ways.
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Steve recently joined Kenny Loggins for his "Celebrate Me Home For Christmas" tour 2006 playing a dozen cities on the east coast before winding up in Cerritos, CA in late December. The band included some members from the 2005 L&M reunion group as well as some of Kenny's ace regulars.
2007 finds Steve continuing to appear with The Lao Tizer Band. The group is busy supporting it's new indie release "Diversify" which is working it's way up the Smooth Jazz charts. Look for the band to criss-cross America throughout the summer/fall. Steve also continues to juggle engagements with some of Southern California's most indemand showbands.......
Finally, Steve continues to stay involved in the worship ministry at his home church of The Packinghouse in Redlands, CA. Please stop in whenever you visit the Southern California area........Peace!
I'll tell ya...... it's not easy being me! I came home from work early the other day and there was a nude guy jogging in front of my house. I asked him "why?" He said.... "because you came home early!
Hi Steve, We'll definitely stay in touch. I'm glad the shoot went well, that's exciting stuff. I am sending Lao some club info from here in Columbus so maybe he can add a show at cool place while you guys are traveling the midwest. Be safe Steve, talk soon. Joe
Played the main stage of the Florida Folk Festival again this year, see the review I got in my blog! Just fif a show Friday, next is July 17, if I don't have something come up sooner. Hope everything is wonderful in your world! hugs, Ariana
Hey! Yeah- JoJo and I are planning on going to Disneyland this Friday evening, and we were just talking about how if you all aren't busy, it would be really fun if you all could come with! :)
Thanks for accepting my friend request and especially... for taking the time to listen to my music. Your kind comments are sincerely and humbly appreciated. I wish you the best of success & happiness in all of your musical & spiritual endeavors...
Hey Steve, Yes the cd is out in Japan at this point. We're going in July. Yes it would be nice to cross paths ........ that would mean work! Hope all is well with you and yours.
hey sorry it took me so long to respond! I've been singing at Seabreeze pretty often lately which has been great. how has your music stuff been going? I'm playing at Catalina's in August you should come!
Thanks Steve, I thought it felt a bit rushed and frantic and there's no place to rest your chops and as I most always think, I could have done better, but that's life. Maybe I should listen to it before I go too crazy:) Are we still on for trading weekends? I'm playing special w/Susan again that weekend and will plan on playing w/Robert, too. I'm gone the next weekend 5/9&10 and am assuming you'll play w/Rob that weekend. We can talk more on WedPM.
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