Primary Instrument: Arranger
JOHN STEPHENS
Experienced, versatile composer, arranger, conductor, producer, performer with a command of woodwind instruments and a broad range of musical styles. Plays alto, tenor, soprano and baritone saxophones, flute, clarinet and bass clarinet. Fluent in Finale, CuBase and other notation software and sequencing programs. Upbeat, positive colleague with an extensive track record of getting the most from available resources and delivering outstanding results under deadline conditions. Born and raised in the Gulf Coast city of Beaumont, TX. Influenced by numerous musical genres including gospel, rhythm & blues, Latin, Zydeco, Texas and Mississippi delta blues, early rock & roll, western swing and touring big bands such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Began professional musical career as a tenor saxophonist while in high school. Studied at Houston Tillotson College, Lamar University and Armed Forces School of Music, followed by four years’ service with the U.S. Marine Corps Band. Obtained B.A. Music from Cal State Northridge. Joined Marvin Gaye Productions in 1976 and has since built an extensive career as a soloist, bandleader, conductor, arranger, producer and studio recording artist.
CAREER SUMMARY: JOHN STEPHENS MUSIC, Los Angeles, CA • “Home of the infinite groove” Founder and President, January 2002” present John Stephens Music provides original compositions, arrangements, orchestrations, contracting, live music production, record production, music preparation and digital sequencing services to clients in many areas of the music industry. Our focus is on exceeding client expectations no matter what the budget or the deadline, and producing outstanding results that are on-time, on budget, and always in the groove. Client references available upon request.
COMPOSING AND ARRANGING CREDITS • “Wild Women Blues,” stage revue with Linda Hopkins and Maxine Weldon, extended runs in Europe (Hamburg, Paris, Monaco, Vienna) • “Mean Sisters” (motion picture score) • Motown’s Apollo Special, NBC • Motown 25th Anniversary Special, ABC • The Rock and Roll Show, ABC • “We’re Getting Along,” Los Angeles Theater Center • Stage orchestrations for The Temptations, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Johnnie Taylor • Numerous arrangements for recording sessions at Solar, Arista, Capitol and other record labels
PERFORMING CREDITS • John Stephens “CooBlue Ensemble” ” numerous appearances for Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department • 2006 Grammy House Band, Patrice Rushen, conductor • “To Ella with Love,” all-star concert at Hollywood Bowl featuring Kevin Mahogany, Cleo Laine and John Dankworth, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Patrice Rushen, conductor • Extensive ensemble work in concert, festival and tour engagements in the U.S. and overseas with such artists as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Carter, Gerald Wilson, Buddy Collette, Dizzy Gillespie and Plas Johnson • Motion picture soundtracks include “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “Paradise Alley,” “Dingo” • Theater productions include “Pal Joey” with Lena Horne (Ahmanson Theatre), “Blues in the Night” (Pasadena Playhouse), “”Singin’ in the Rain,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Pirates of Penzance” (Los Angeles Civic Light Opera, “We’re Getting Along” (L.A. Theatre Center) TEACHING CREDITS • JazzAmerica at the Music Center • Hollywood Stars Afterschool Program • Grammy in the Schools
