Ron Steen Jazz Drummer
2011 Juneteenth Jazz Lifetime Acheivement Award
Veteran drummer and bandleader Ron Steen is one of the Northwest's top rhythm keepers and leader of the Portland jazz scene.
He has performed with a host of jazz artists such as Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, Dexter Gordon, Eddie Harris, Sonny Stitt and
Charles Lloyd among many others. He is also the "Godfather of Jazz Jams" in Portland, having hosted ongoing jam sessions
since 1980. Notable international jazz stars who come through town stop into Steen's jams for impromptu music led by one of
the best in the business. In addition to hosting jam sessions, Steen is also a sought after bandleader and session musician,
who his peers hold in high regard for his solid and versatile rhythms. Steen's ability to bring together top musicians in
town and around the nation make him one of the city's most valuable assets.
Some other musicians Ron Steen has performed with:
Saxophonists
John Handy, Charlie Rouse, Hank Crawford, Frank Morgan, Red Holloway, Clifford Jordan, Arnett Cobb, Bud Shank, Lew Tabackin,
Jim Pepper, Nick Brignola, Richie Cole, Jeff Clayton
Trumpeters
Art Farmer, Ted Curson, Chris Botti, Terell Stafford, Howard McGhee, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Jack Sheldon, Bobby Shew
Pianists/Organists
Les McCann, Johnny Hammond, Mal Waldron, Gene Harris, Andrew Hill, George Cables, Barry Harris, Kenny Drew, Jr., Mose Allison, Tete Montoliu, Jessica Williams, Tom Grant, Jeff Lorber, Slim Gaillard, Billy Larkin
Vibraphonists
Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson
Guitarists
Stanley Jordon, Barney Kessell, Herb Ellis, Laurindo Almeida, Howard Roberts, Emily Remler, Ted Dunbar
Vocalists
Etta James, Eartha Kitt, Kevin Mahogany, Jimmy Witherspoon, Ernestine Anderson, Bill Henderson, Ernie Andrews, Diane Schuur, Jane Monheit, Mark Murphy, Susannah McCorkle, Giacomo Gates, Jacqui Naylor
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