Stephen Page Quartet

Iron Horse Music Hall (20 Center Street, Northampton MA 01060)

Music

An eternal student of sound, Stephen Page has immersed his life in music. His musical journey started with drums and trumpet before dedicating himself to the piano at age seventeen. After completing his jazz studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, he continued his quest by studying with jazz luminaries Billy Taylor, Yusef Lateef, Andy LaVerne and Kenny Werner. Most notably, Stephen had the opportunity to study with renowned music educator Charlie Banacos, until his passing in 2009. Privately, Stephen cultivated his sound by dissecting and analyzing the greats who influenced him – Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Bud Powell, Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson among others- deconstructing, assimilating and creating his own dynamic sound. The great vocalist Sheila Jordan who Stephen has accompanied for many years has this to say about him- "Stephen Page is a great accompanist aside from being an all-around fantastic musician. Great attitude and great playing and it's always a joy to work with him." Stephen’s dedication and discipline in music allow him to gracefully morph a fragile motif to a powerful, passionate, dissonant phrase. Although he creates innovative improvisations, the melodic core of the song still resonates with the listener. From the complex to the lilting, Stephen skillfully mixes the color of sound to create an aural picture of a song in any style, whether it be a jazz standard, classical piece or original composition. The great saxophonist Archie Shepp who Stephen has jammed with on many occasions has this to say- "Apart from a brilliant talent, Stephen Page possesses two qualities essential to a performing artist: patience and originality." Bassist Avery Sharpe has this to say- "Stephen Page is in a class by himself, his piano playing is sensitive and extraordinary. Whether playing solo, with a singer, or an ensemble, his touch and listening abilities are fantastic. He interprets jazz standards in a new and meaningful way and does an impeccable interpretation on originals. When he has worked with me, it has been a pleasure." Stephen has worked throughout the eastern seaboard with a variety of musical combinations from solo work to big bands.