New York City based saxophonist and composer Steve Kortyka will be here in Columbus on Wednesday September 14th at Dick’s Den. Performing with Steve are local jazz masters Stan Smith (Guitar), Cedric Easton (Drums), and Scott Gold on bass. The band will be performing Kortyka originals along with material by Brad Mehldau, Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, Duke Ellington and several others. Show time is about 10pm or Dick’s Den 10pm. Steve will also be performing at new club “Ace of Cups” on Thursday night.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Steve Kortyka began playing the saxophone at the age of 14. Upon entering the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), Steve chose a double major in classical performance and music education, although he found himself more and more gravitating towards the jazz idiom and the practice of improvised music. During his study at CCM, Steve had the chance to play with many world-renowned artists including Eddie Daniels, Kenny Garret, Joshua Redman, Greg Abate, Brad Goode, John McNeil, and Curtis Fuller to name a few. In late 2009 Steve gave up ship life and began a brief period of study at Ohio State University (OSU), where he clarified his conception of jazz harmony under the tutelage of Shawn “Thunder” Wallace. Steve and Professor Wallace are currently collaborating on a project to address a specific approach to jazz improvisation, to be published in late 2012.
Since moving to Queens, New York, Steve has frequented many great jazz venues around NYC, pursuing his dream of becoming a world-class improviser. He’s had the opportunity of performing most nights of the week at different clubs in the NYC area, such as the Oak Room, Cleo’s, the Garage, Duane Park, Fat Cat, and Smalls Jazz Club.
Steve Kortyka
September 14th, 2011
Dicks Den
http://stevekortyka.com/