Born: August 3, 1973 Primary Instrument: Piano
JAZZ PIANIST, COMPOSER and FILMMAKER Steve Blanco has been forging ahead with self-made creative works for over a decade. Born in Nyack, New York to a French-speaking Moroccan belly dancer (mother) and film editor with a love of music and art (father), Blanco was exposed to artistic expressions from many different cultures. Growing up he learned the trumpet then drums and didn't arrive at the piano until age 23.
Blanco’s music has been called “Progressive Jazz at its finest” and his latest album Piano Warrior (Art Of Life Records) is said to “Move like the warrior of its title - FEROCIOUSLY and in an ever-changing terrain.” Blanco was selected to serve as a music composition grant panelist for the prestigious New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). He has released three critically acclaimed CDs, produced a music video (directed by Blanco) and currently leads a piano trio with Adam Roberts and Sunny Jain, but performs regularly in solo and duo settings.
Steve also contributes to the Munich-based Orkaan Orkestra led by composer and bassist Juergen Reiter
In addition to performing music on a professional level, Blanco has directed eight short films (many of which have been official selections at festivals), written a feature ” length script, and scored several of these films. He has served as writer, editor and cinematographer either altogether or in combinations on each of these films. He has been producer on all.
Blanco accredits his father as a major influence in bringing to the surface an array of emotional experiences stemming from creative masterpieces in music, cinema, art, writings, and philosophy that he would have otherwise not been exposed to as a young child.
From his childhood music has always been a driving force and ever present in his existence. After teaching himself for a few years Blanco privately studied piano before receiving a B.F.A. from Purchase Conservatory in New York. Blanco is the CoFounder of Insomnia Creations with Louis Cuffari and James Bartolozzi, and a contributing editor for ic magazine.
TEACHING is an important part of Blanco's musical life. Just as he remembers those certain teachers that left a lasting impression filled with positive energy and a passion for music, he enjoys sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge of music and art with his students. Because of the nature of his diverse career Blanco is able to teach all levels and styles in music performance, composition, and music theory.
Blanco resides in New York City.
Awards:
Digital Cafe Tour 2008; Steve Blanco Trio received first place out of over 2000 artists.“This is progressive jazz at its finest” -ejazznews
“What one awaits for from a musician” -Jazz Hot
“Bill Evans trio at its tightest, combined with the rambling, unpredictable theatricality of Ahmad Jamal at his best, and then increase the intensity quotient five notches.” -All About Jazz
“The melodies are full of lyricism and impressionistic tones” -Jazz&Tzaz Magazine
“All three players are so alive and aware that the music literally jumps out of the speakers.” -All About Jazz
Piano Warrior
Art of Life Records
2009
Steve Blanco: piano.
Adam Roberts: bass.
Sunny Jain: drums.
Semblance
Insomnia Creations
2008
Steve Blanco: piano.
Jeremy Wilms: guitars.
Contact
Insomnia Creations
2006
Steve Blanco: piano.
Adam Roberts: bass.
Sunny Jain: drums.
As A Side Musician
Space Unknown
Insomnia Creations
2005
Aafje van Summeren: vocals.
Steve Blanco: piano.
Adam Roberts: bass.
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