Steve Rudolph

Born in Evansville, Indiana, Steve studied trumpet and composition under scholarship at Butler University. He switched his instrumental focus to the piano at age 22 and was hired by Buddy Morrow to perform with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1977. Since moving to Harrisburg PA in 1978, he has been largely responsible for the growth and development of the thriving jazz scene in Central Pennsylvania. Steve is Past President and a founder of the Central PA Friends of Jazz, one of the most successful jazz organizations in the country. Presented as an “Emerging Artist” at the Jazz Times Convention in New York City in 1998 and winner of the 1999 Jazziz Magazine - Seven Springs Jazz Festival Piano Competition, Steve also received the prestigious 2002 Harrisburg Arts Award for his service to the community. Seven European tours including a 2003 tour of Russia and Siberia, soloist with Miami’s New World Symphony and receiving the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Jazz Fellowship in 1995 and 2001 highlight his career. Steve has appeared in concert with Louie Bellson, Al Grey, Buddy Tate, Clark Terry, Paquito D’Rivera, Herb Ellis, Buddy DeFranco, Terry Gibbs, the Mills Brothers, Buddy Morrow and countless other jazz greats. A recording artist and producer, Steve has eight CDs on the R&L Records, one on Dreambox Media, and three on PACT Records. He has recorded with Matt Wilson, Johnny Coles, Cal Collins, Roger Humphries, Joe Hunt, Bill Goodwin, J.D. Walter, Ali Ryerson, Dwayne Dolphin, Vinny Valentino, Paul Langosch, Tom Strohman, Amy Banks and many more. Now a Yamaha Performing Artist, his detailed recording and touring information may be found at http://www.steverudolph.com.

Awards

Two Pennsylvania Council on the Arts composition Fellowship Awards The Harrisburg Arts Award for Community Service - 2007

JD Walter: What the World Needs Now

Read "What the World Needs Now" reviewed by Pierre Giroux

by Pierre Giroux
August 15, 2023

JD Walter beckons listeners into a soulful and captivating journey through modern jazz interpretations of non-jazz material. With his unique vocal stylings and innovative arrangements, he brings a fresh perspective to familiar popular tunes, and several jazz standards, while delivering thought-provoking original compositions. From the very first track--Stevie Wonder's “Golden Lady"--it is evident that Walter's vocal prowess is a force to be reckoned with. He dashes along in full flight and then effortlessly shifts into intricate ...

Education

Jazz Arts Group's Jazz Academy Workshop Opportunities with Bobby Sanabria, Ali Ryerson & Steve Rudolph

Source: Michael Ricci
April 20, 2011

The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) offers a stellar line-up of music making opportunities to engage all ages and interests with workshops and clinics at the Jazz Academy community instructional space in the Lincoln Theatre complex. With nearly 5,000 square feet, the Jazz Academy is a premier facility for multi-generational and recreational music making, ensemble playing, after-school programs, technology instruction and lectures with world-class musicians. Join jazz and Latin-jazz artist Bobby Sanabria Thursday, April 28 at 7:00 PM as ...
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"... Rudolph is a savvy, swinging, consistent, glimmering heavyweight. His time is impeccable and the subtlety of his articulation and his ability to make dynamic changes is impressive....... Rudolph is outstanding. Joe Patitucci, Jazz Improv Magazine Vol 4 # 2 "...this is playing of a caliber to turn heads. On up tempo tracks Rudolph is graceful without glibness, his lines so light and fleet they barely touch the ground; when he plays a ballad such as "Over the Rainbow", he is expressive but also bracingly clear-sighted and unsentimental. Nate Dorward, Cadence Magazine review of the Joe Hunt Trio CD, June 2004 "Steve Rudolph is a great artist