Biography

Steve is best known for his work as bandleader of Hackney Colliery Band (‘one of the greatest live bands that we have in this country’ – BBC Radio 2), a band known for its bombast and energy. But here he focuses on the more introspective, delicate side of his composition and playing, combining feathery trumpet textures and extended techniques with the lyricism and showmanship that has earned him a reputation as a go-to trumpet player and musical director for Shakespeare’s Globe and the National Theatre, as well as work with countless artists including Angélique Kidjo, Mulatu Astatke, The Cure and Paul McCartney.

His electronic manipulation of the live acoustic instruments is sometimes subtle, blurring the
lines between acoustic live playing and augmentation, and sometimes dramatic, producing
billowing clouds of notes and unusual sonic textures that allow two musicians to sound like
hundreds.