Steve Ash at the piano at a private function in 1988. With Neal Miner on bass and legendary drummer Vernell Fournier.

Steve Ash at the piano at a private function in 1988. With Neal Miner on bass and legendary drummer Vernell Fournier.

Meet Steve Ash, the Jazz Maestro...

He's one of New York City’s most in demand jazz pianists, originally hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, he has been mesmerizing audiences for over 40 years with his exceptional talent and passion for jazz.

Steve's musical journey began at 8 years old, with classical piano lessons. Inspired by his older brother to play by ear, he later refined his skills more formally at Indiana University, earning a bachelor's degree in Jazz Piano. Over his illustrious career, Steve has played with an impressive roster of jazz legends, including Frank Wess, Jon Hendricks, Kurt Elling, Lew Tabackin, Chuck Israels, Sheila Jordan, Jimmy Cobb, Louis Hayes, Eddie Harris, Warren Vaché, Harry Allen, Joe Magnarelli, Annie Ross, Mel Lewis, and Vernell Fournier.

NYC's Best-Kept Secret...

A regular performer at New York City's iconic jazz clubs, including Smalls, Mezzrow, Django, and Ornithology, Steve has become a beloved figure in the jazz community. He has also graced the stages of renowned venues such as The Village Vanguard, The Blue Note, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Birdland, Smoke Jazz and Supper Club, and The Jazz Gallery. 

Steve is a favorite of those in the know - the ultimate sideman, and an extremely fine trio pianist. 

A Global Ambassador for Jazz...

In 2004, Steve was honored by The Kennedy Center and The U.S. State Department, and was selected to tour West Africa and France as part of The Jazz Ambassadors program. His global performances include The Bern Jazz Festival in 2001, The Caesarea Jazz Festival in 2006, and The New Mexico Jazz Festival in 2012.

To the Silver Screen...

His talent extends beyond the stage, with his piano skills featuring in the movie “Evening” (2007), where he accompanies Claire Danes on “Time After Time” and performs a solo rendition of “Pretend” on the soundtrack.

And Onwards...

Steve Ash is a respected jazz musician and global ambassador for the genre. His discography includes acclaimed albums such as "You And The Night" and "Once I Loved," as well as collaborations like Warren Vaché’s “Swingtime” and The Neal Miner Sextet's “The Evening Sound.” See below for full discography, and links to listen! 

Touring Experience

  • The Bern Jazz Festival with Warren Vaché’s All Stars in 2001

  • Jazz Ambassadors Tour of West Africa and France in 2004

  • The Caesarea Jazz Festival in Israel with The Harry Allen Quartet in 2006

  • The New Mexico Jazz Festival with Jon Hendricks in 2012

  • Jazz at Lincoln Center in Shanghai, China, in 2018 with The Bruce Harris Quintet

Discography

  • Steve Ash, You and the Night, 2024

  • Steve Ash, Once I Loved, 2014

  • Ian Clever, Yarn, 2025

  • Pureum Jin, The Empress, Square One, 2025

  • Hendrik Meurkins, The Jazz Meurkengers, 2024

  • Gary Smulyan and Frank Basile, Boss Baritones, 2024

  • Fabien Mary, Conception, 2013

  • Barbara Lea with The Loren Schoenberg Big Band, Black Butterfly, 2006

  • The Neal Miner Sextet, The Evening Sound, 2006

  • Warren Vache, Swingtime, 2001

  • The Metropolitan Bopera-House, Still Comin’ On Up, 1986

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