Led by Hudson Valley Jazz Festival producer Steve Rubin, drums, with J. Brunka on bass, Mark Daine, guitar, Dave Smith, piano, Ronnie Roc, on percussion with special guests
Steve Rubin has been a musician for 40 years. First drum instructor was Mel Lewis of the Thad Jones / Mel Lewis orchestra that worked the Village Vanguard in NYC for many years. After several years working in a disco show band in the 70’s, Steve studied with big band drummer Sonny Igoe, who’s son, Tommy Igoe is a well known drummer and
instructor today.
Steve’s worked in jazz, rock, soul, classic R&B and blues groups over the years, as well as playing electronic percussion, ( the Roland Handsonic). Steve continues to appreciate all music from classic rock to funk, old school R&B, disco, reggae, blues and that which falls outside definition.
Having lived in Greenwich Village, NYC for 24 years, and he and his wife moved to Warwick in 2005. In NYC he worked as a player and drum teacher .In 2010 Steve founded the Warwick Valley Jazz Festival, now The Hudson Valley Jazz Festival, hudsonvalleyjazzfest.org.
Music for Steve is like a buffet of possibilities to enjoy and present for the right setting and venue. Musical influences in jazz range from Louis Armstrong’s hot house days to big band drummers to the great modern bop and post bop players inclusive of Philly Joe Jones, Joe Morello, Mel Lewis, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, and
modern players such as Brian Blade and Jeff Ballard.
Whether it’s Miles , Coltrane, Cole Porter , Weather Report or Keith Jarrett, Steve always looks to the lead instrument in form of piano , guitar or horn to establish melody and to lead the music, and sees his role as a supporting one.
For several years he’s been leading his own group, The Skye Jazz Trio/Quartet, and is thankful for having a terrific supporting cast of players. The Skye Jazz Groupis a rotating ensemble of experienced musicians.
