Best Keyboardist
28.49% Jim Steele*
Others with Votes:
1999 Winner: NA
1998 Winner: NA
1997 Winner: NA
* On the ballot
|
Jim Steele didn’t make it to the Columbia Street West to accept his Whammy for Best Keyboard Player. That’s because he was out doing that which earned him the award in the first place. Steele has made the local jazz scene for about 20 years. During that time he’s seen the number of clubs and restaurants hiring jazz musicians slowly dwindle. So winning a Whammy is a boost, confirmation that jazz is still able to generate interest, at least among listeners. “It’s great, I appreciate it,” Steele said. “It’s good to know people are listening. It’s good that there’s an award for instrumentalists. I know the other guys in the category. They’re great musicians, too. It’s good to be recognized for what you are doing.” Steele makes the rounds as a solo act and as part of various groups. Recently, he’s been playing with Todd Harrold. Harrold is currently working with Steele on a CD project. Steele got his start some 28 years ago playing classical music. Though known mainly as a jazz player, he still listens to and plays a lot of classical stuff. “That’s what I was brought up playing, and I still listen to it, especially 20th century works,” Steele said. “And I’m still doing a lot of straight jazz.” Coltrane, Miles, Herbie, the list of Steele’s favorites includes the greats. The only problem Steele has is getting more venues to feature the music he likes to play. “There’s not nearly as many places as I would like to see,” he said. “When I first started there were a lot more places to play jazz. I think there’s still a lot of people who are interested in it, but I don’t know what the answer is. There are a number of serious jazz players in Fort Wayne. We’ve all been talking about it. Maybe we can persuade somebody to give us a shot.” Just beat em’ over the head with your Whammy, Jim. That’s all the persuasion you’ll need. |
Copyright 2002 Ad Media Inc.