Woodhall debut for Steve

Steve was born in Birmingham and showed an avid interest in music from a very early age.

His first instrument, a Bontempi chord organ from Woolworths, was bought for him at the age of four and within a short space of time he was entertaining pupils and teachers in school assemblies.

By the age of 16, Steve had his first electronic organ, an Eminent (because of those fabulous string sounds) and, just two years later, he entered and won the 1983 Midlands Organist of the Year Contest.

This launched him onto his professional career as a concert organist and keyboard player.

Steve extensively toured throughout the UK playing for organ societies, keyboard clubs and festivals.

He was particularly noted for his musical arrangements and orchestral style of playing.

He also appeared many times on radio, including Radio 2’s ‘The Organist Entertains’ and Radio WM’s ‘Keyboard Magic’.

Steve found himself in constant pursuit of top quality sounds and began experimenting with combinations of keyboards and expanders.

This resulted in a touring set up comprising Kurzweil, Roland, and Yamaha sound modules, midi linked to keyboards and pedals; a set-up he became noted for wherever he played.

Many players today use multi keyboard setups, but Steve was one of the very first to do so.

In 1992 Steve set up his own music shop which he did, quickly followed by a music school.

This proved a big success and, reluctantly, Steve retired from the concert circuit.

Steve returned to the professional concert circuit in 2012.

The Woodhall Spa concert will be held in St Peter’s Hall next Tuesday, March 17, starting at 7.30pm, admission £8.

Details on 01526 353225.