Steve Bourgeois - Presence

Pianist Steve Bourgeois has developed a lyrical touch that is unique in the jazz world. He has taken the 'dolce' touch developed from years of performing Mozart, and incorporated it into his jazz playing. His style combines melodic clarity with abundant inner voices that add depth and lyricism to his music. His improvisations could be described as minimalist, in that they quickly get to the heart of the matter and communicate emotions honestly. Steve trained as a classical pianist. He made the slow transition to jazz during his college years. His early jazz influences include Oscar Peterson, Andre Previn, and most significantly, his father, Jim Bourgeois, who is also a jazz pianist. In recent years, Steve has been inspired by the solo improvisations of Keith Jarrett. Steve Bourgeois is a jazz pianist based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He performs solo piano regularly at many of the prominent hotels and restaurants in that area, including the Renaissance Worthington Hotel, the Omni Mandalay Hotel, the Fairmont Hotel, La Cima Club, the Petroleum Club, and the City Club. He has recorded three solo piano CDs, including 'I Could Write a Book' (2000), 'Out of the Darkness' (2004), and Presence' (2005). His ensemble recordings include 'Symbiotic Groove' (2004) and 'Hide Every Trace of Sadness' (2004) with vocalist Morgan Bierlein, 'Jazz Duo' (2004) with bassist Wyeth Tvenge, and 'It Could Happen' (2005) with vocalist Cyndy Duerfeldt and pianist Jim Bourgeois.

1) The Abyss
2) Blithe and Bonny
3) Dancing on the Edge
4) Fugue
5) Presence
6) Go Forth
7) Tread Lightly
8) Dream Catcher
9) Dark Places Part 1
10) Dark Places Part 2
11) With Wings
12) Amadeus
13) Rock Myself
14) Bye-Bye Blackbird