Insight: Steve Sweeting

Jazz historian, teacher and pianist extraordinaire, Steve Sweeting is a regular at twocities and founder of the 'twocities in tune' concert series. Why jazz music and why Shanghai? Here is Steve, in his own words.

When did you start playing piano? How did you get into jazz music?

When I was in third grade, my parents bought me a used upright piano for $5-- it was painted green.  I started playing by ear along with pop radio when I was six or seven, then took steady lessons and played in every kind of band or music group I could find as a teen.  It wasn't until college that I went to an Oscar Peterson concert and I couldn't believe how rich a musical tradition jazz was and continues to be.

What do you love about what you do?

Oh, so many things! I'm very lucky. First off, I really just love the sound of the piano, so even on a bad day (or a bad piano), I still like to sit down and do some kind of playing. I love that music is its own language and so among musicians I can live anywhere in the world and make immediate connections. I love the passion and variety in music--one day I could be singing a bebop tune with my vocal workshop and the next, I'm arranging folk songs from Yunnan or doing free improv with an erhu player. Each of these experiences brings entirely different challenges and pleasures. I love the idea that listening to great music is part of my work, and I really love not having to wake up early in the morning.

When did you start 'twocities in tune'?

We started 'twocities in tune' in the fall of 2006 and I feel like it has become my musical home.  We have had at least a half dozen concerts each year featuring many singers of jazz, Chinese folk, some original and many spontaneous compositions.  It's my favorite place in town to play because foreigners and locals alike seem to come with open minds and open ears. So, thanks for this great opportunity!

How do you contribute to building the "good city" in what you do?

There is no doubt that good music makes everyone's life a whole lot richer, so I only hope that my music is part of that richness and that my enthusiasm for improvisation and play is contagious.  In Shanghai, part of what I've tried to do is to collaborate with many local singers and musicians to create something that we are all inspired by and equally part of. Also, with my wife (who as an urban designer knows a lot more about good cities than I do) we are trying to raise our two boys to become thoughtful and engaged citizens, wherever they live. 

If you could describe Shanghai in one word, what would it be? Why? 

Young.  Ironic coming from an American, huh?  Despite China's long history, so much in this city is brand spanking new. My street has been repaved five times so far this year. The pace of growth is fast and the opportunities are many, though at times I miss the roots and the depth of culture in New York which often comes from the generations ahead of mine.

Catch Steve's contagious passion for good music this Friday night at twocities. Steve will be performing with vocalist Heidi Krenn to explore modal jazz in the final 'twocities in tune' concert/lecture of the Spring.

Comments

[Debbie Chichester McKinnon]

Steve!!!! so glad you are doing what you want on your terms. Music does make the soul soar. congratulations on your sucess.