An exquisitely emotive and versatile pianist, Steve Denny is an artist who creates indelible musical portraits through masterful virtuosity and touch; conveying the ethereal beauty of a ballad or channeling the ebullient swing of a heavy-hitting bebop tune.  Steve has applied his expansive versatility as a pianist, composer and educator to the realms of jazz, classical, r&b, gospel and beyond.  Steve was one of five finalists for the prestigious Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition in 2012 and 2015, and as a member of the University of Northern Colorado’s Lab Band I, was awarded “Outstanding Achievement by a Collegiate Big Band” by Downbeat Magazine in 2008. A pianist always game to expand his playing and ears, Steve has been heard on New Orleans-style funk gigs, cabaret performances, wedding receptions and everything in-between.  From playing keyboard and organ in gospel churches to serving as an accompanist and artistic director for plays, musicals and recitals across the United States, Steve brings a wealth of expertise to many formats.  In addition to his eponymous releases listed below, Steve is a featured sideman on Jon Sheckler’s Cityscapes and Monquez Pippen’s Fine By Me.

An active performer and bandleader, Steve has poured his creative compositional energy into the well-sought-after Steve Denny Trio:  a hard swinging, soulful band featuring the determinedly buoyant Marty Kenney on bass and the fiery powerhouse Ben Waters on drums. Their acclaimed albums, Life in the Basement and Life in New York, receive international airplay and are available on all major platforms.  They continue to be in demand across the country, heard regularly at clubs and festivals from New York City to Colorado.

With over fifteen years of education experience, Steve has taught piano at community colleges, music schools, and through private studio lessons.  He has served as an adjudicator/clinician in both classical and jazz settings, including the Young Musician’s Festival in Fairfield, CT.  Steve has held a recurring role as a teaching artist for the New York Pops Ed program, Moravian Academy Jazz Camp and has presented master classes on jazz pedagogy at prominent universities and colleges.

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Steve’s love of music and adoration for the piano developed from the very beginning.  Whether it be performing imaginary concerts in the basement, scoring music for homemade movies or diligently practicing on the family spinet, Steve’s creative childhood set the stage for an auspicious career in music and the arts.  Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from Loyola University Chicago, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado.