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Richard Steffens

Rick Steffens - a veteran jazz bassist (upright & electric) experienced with multiple styles of jazz USA and Europe

About Me

Richard (Rick) Steffens is a professional bassist (upright & electric) with over 30 years of performance experience. Rick recently returned from living and performing in Europe since 2015 and is located in Arizona Phoenix area. He had established a strong West Coast presence since 1976 in San Francisco, San Jose and San Diego. He is currently seeking playing opportunities ranging from corporate special events, jazz clubs, rehearsal bands, shows, club dates, recording projects and more.

Richard (Rick) Steffens was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He began working as a musician with his own band while still a sophomore in Wyoming High School. He started college at the University Of Colorado in Boulder. Later, Rick moved to California where he continued his education in the fine arts and received his Bachelors Of Music Degree from San Jose State University.

While living in the San Francisco Bay Area, he performed as the principal bassist with the San Jose Civic Light Opera, as well as performing with the San Jose Symphony, West Bay Opera and the San Jose Opera Orchestras.

During Rick's tenure with the San Jose Civic Light Opera he performed over 30 different major Broadway musical productions. He also has performed in orchestras with major celebrities such as: Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Danny Thomas, Joan Rivers, Smothers Brothers, Shari Lewis, Anthony Quinn, Debbie Reynolds, Guy & Relna, Pete Barbotti, Rich Little, Lillas White, Mel Carter and Joe Piscopo

Rick Steffens worked for five years as an arranger, music copyist, and contractor for the Great America theme park in Santa Clara. He has been involved in countless recording sessions for both commercial jingles as well as original musical projects. Rick became a key figure in the music contracting business in the Bay Area for several booking and production agencies. This is where he developed skills to work one on one with clients to achieve the best musical performance results for them.

In 1993, Rick and his family moved to San Diego where he began working in the corporate special events market with his band MIRAGE. His attention to details and amicable working style has earned him a reputation as first choice among event planners, booking agents and special event coordinators. The success and demand for his group the MIRAGE JAZZ BAND lead him to form his larger ensemble, the MIRAGE BIG BAND ORCHESTRA.

Rick has performed at literally thousands of special events as the leader and bassist of small three piece combos on up to large big band orchestras. These events include weddings, bar & bat mitzvahs, corporate award ceremonies and dinner dances. Rick always strives to deliver a package of great presentation and excellent musicality above and beyond the expectations of the client.

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because... I was first exposed to jazz... I met [musician name]... The best show I ever attended was... The first jazz record I bought was... My advice to new listeners... Or whatever else you have in mind.