Steve Bloom started out playing guitar by learning American Folk songs and Popular Songs from the 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s. He then began studying Classical Guitar.
In 1981 he studied with Jazz teacher, Bruce Bednarsky. Steve went to Tulane University in New Orleans, from ‘82-’84, where he studied Classical Harmony, Theory, and played in the school Big Band. New Orleans greatly influenced his perspective and feel in playing music and what it means to have an enthusiastic audience.
In ’84 Steve transferred to to the Jazz program at Long Island University in Brooklyn. There he studied with a number of great musician/educators including Bill Saxton, Benny Powell, Ronnie Matthews, Cecil Bridgewater, etc., and Reggie Workman, who was to become a great mentor.
“Bill Saxton helped me to understand Bebop up to and including what John Coltrane was playing in his improvisations. Reggie Workman taught me to play Jazz from a spiritually energetic place. Reggie also showed me how to make experimental sounds without feeling self-conscious.â€
After receiving his BFA in Jazz Studies Bloom stayed in New York to continue his development in Jazz and Classical music. A friend of his helped connect him with Virginia Luque, a Segovia disciple, and in the late 80’s/early 90’s he began formally studying Classical guitar again. Currently he studies with Mark Delpriora of the Manhattan School of Music.
Steve also studied privately with Marilyn Crispell, Dave Fiuczynski, Henry Martin, Pat Martino, Ben Monder, and Rachel Z.
A 2006 Rhythm Road musician to Africa and a 2003 Jazz Ambassador to Latin America and the Caribbean, Bloom has been working regularly in New York City and Europe during the past twenty-two years. He has been leading his own projects, teaching workshops, and working as a sideman in groups playing Jazz, Classical, Latin-Jazz, Brazilian, Tango, Afro-Cuban, Blues, and other styles of music as well. He is a versatile musician who is able to contribute his personal sound.
In March 2008 Steve went to Haiti for a week with the Mimi Jones Band. It was a fantastic Tour. Featured Miriam Sullivan on Bass/Vocals, Lucianna Padmore, Drums, and Goussy Celestin on Piano/Keys. Miriam’s music is a mixture of Jazz/Soul/Funk and R&B.
Currently he is promoting his group Bloomdido Quartet, a jazz combo, with Tenor Sax, dedicated to performing the music of Monk, Mingus, Wayne Shorter and Ornette Coleman. His other current projects include: BloomziV an experimental guitar and percussion duo; Quinteto Bloomdido playing Instrumental Cuban Son, and featuring Bloom on the Très Guitar. and Paris Match, a Tango Trio.
In a further tribute to diversity, Steve Bloom shares his talent in a wide range of musical settings; from accompanying dance performances with original arrangements of Nordic folk music to a tenure with the Harlem Renaissance Orchestra. Everything from Solo performances to Big Band shows. He is a long time member of The Last of the International Playboys, a nine-piece band that plays Latin, Swing and "Spy" music. His performance credits include dates at venues such as; "S.O.B.’s", "The Supper Club", "Fez", "Le Bar Bat", "Swing 46", "La Belle Époque", "No Moore", "The Brooklyn Museum", "Cornelia Street Café’, "The 55 Bar", "The Knitting Factory", and “The Cape May Jazz Festivalâ€. Bloom has also played many European venues most notably the "Black Bar Jazz Café" in Berlin, Germany, and the "Lent Jazz Festival" in Slovenia.
Steve Bloom currently shares what he knows giving private lessons all around Manhattan. He has taught at many arts institutions including; Mannes Jazz Department, Boys Harbor, Great Neck Music Center, Mind Builders, Tribal Soundz, through the National Guitar Workshop, and others.
