Steve Cardenas

Guitarist Steve Cardenas is following in the footsteps of contemporary stylists such as John Scofield and Pat Metheny. His warm, lyrical sound and frequently edgy improvisations put him in league with young, rock-influenced jazz players like Pete McCann and Ben Monder. Originally from Kansas City, Cardenas is currently a busy sideman and leader in New York. He has performed and/or recorded with Steve Million, Maria Muldaur, Mark Isham, Paul McCandless, Jeff Beal, and pop/rock singer Tracy Bonham. He’s also made a mark with several notable two-guitar ensembles, teaming up with Kurt Rosenwinkel in Paul Motian’s Electric Bebop Band as well as the live incarnation of Marc Johnson’s Sound of Summer Running band, and with Brad Shepik in drummer Joey Baron’s quartet Killer Joey. Cardenas has also worked as a music educator at the New School in New York, Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Camps, and the University of Missouri. ~ David R. Adler