Steve Koven at Frank Collymore Hall, Barbados 09
Posted Feb 24, 2009

Pianist-Hammond B3 organist Koven led his audience through an intimate and diverse experience as he entertained with as well as performed, 17 rousing selections – 8 of which were original material.
These included effortless renditions of “I’ve Got Rhythm” by Gershwin, the oft-performed hit “Bésame Mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez and a rousing “Honey Suckle Rose” by Fats Waller. Koven’s magical fingers also conjured emotive and playful wonders such as the self-penned “Little Dance” and “Resurgence” as he also showed his love for Barbados with the locally-inspired “Bajan Honk”.
Indeed, Steve Koven is no stranger to Barbados.  He has been performing in the island both as a solo artist and with his trio since 1997.  However, this will be Koven’s first time visiting Barbados as a teacher, as he is expected to be an instructor at the Suzuki Music Barbados as well as the JAL Music Camp from July 7th - 21st.
Meanwhile, Steve’s wife, Lee-anne Stewart, describes this musician’s work as a “reflection of his life”, exploring both his joys and sorrows. She revealed that Steve is a “great improviser”, noting that often he does not know where his music is going or coming from himself.
Known widely as the pianist of the Steve Koven Trio, Steve is also bandleader of this force which consists bandmates Rob Clutton on bass and Anthony Michelli on drums. Formed in 1993, the trio has performed world-wide, sharing the stage with such artists as Nancy Wilson, T.S. Monk, John Pizzarelli, and John Williams.
The band has released seven critically-acclaimed albums since their debut, Live at the Senator, in 1997. Whether interpreting standards or playing originals, the Steve Koven Trio’s music is described as “adventurous, animated and swings hard!”
Barbadians were invited to take away a taste of this intensity last night, as they had the opportunity to purchase the Steve Koven Trio’s latest album “The Sound of Songs”, a prime example of why the Trio has long been considered one of Canada’s pre-eminent jazz groups.
Of the album, Steve proudly states “the music on this disc is a collection of nine original compositions that I composed over the last two years.  My intent was to compose songs that take the listener on a musical journey - from old Eastern Europe to the ‘New World’, from the Carribean palm trees to a country road, from the streets of New Orleans to an imaginary place.”
The band adds to the album’s musical recipe – a special guest appearance by Saxophonist Kenny Kirkwood, and also includes in this latest recording, their very first composition for string quartet. Steve wishes to express to all who may have purchased the album “I hope you enjoy this CD as much as I enjoyed the process of creating it.”
For more information on Steve Koven and the Steve Koven Trio, including their full bio, videos, live recordings, discography and downloads, as well as the opportunity to purchase any of their CDs – tap your fingers on over to http://www.stevekoven.com/.
Enricco Bohne - Advocate News, Barbados W.I.

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