Michael Jefry Stevens is among the most respected pianists in today's modern jazz scene. His regular performance tours of Europe have earned him a strong following overseas as well. When not touring, Stevens spends much time in the recording studio with over 75 recordings over the past 40 years.
In 2009 Mr. Stevens was named a “Steinway” Performing Artist. For decades Steinway & Sons has cultivated special relationships with pianists from every genre. From classical pianists like Lang Lang, to jazz stars like Diana Krall, to pop icons like Billy Joel, to "immortals" like Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Arthur Rubinstein — more than 1,600 artists make the Steinway their own. Michael Jefry Stevens is honored to be part of this prestigious group.
Michael Jefry Stevens is also a prolific composer having penned over 400 works for various ensembles, including big band, string quartet, music for voice, music for solo instruments and various small group compositions.
For me music is first and foremost an expression of beauty. That is what I am trying to do. express beauty. This beauty can and will take different shapes and forms. There is beauty in a triad and there is a different but no less exotic beauty in a dissonant interval or sound. Along with the expression of beauty I am trying to express my heartfelt emotions at the moment. It is the expression or improvisation of music at a precise moment of time that to me defines that essence of jazz. -----Michael Jefry Stevens