c h a d r o n s t a t e c o l l e g e
Stephens performs frequently in both classical and jazz idioms, and can be heard in recital at CSC with Dr. Jim Margetts at the piano. If you are interested in bringing Dr. Stephens to your school for guest performances, clinics, or judging, just email at mstephens@csc.edu or call 308/432-6320.
April 2008 Joint Recital with Adam Lambert:
Stephens performed on saxophones, clarinet, and flute, including works by Haydn, Miskow, Debussy, Jacobi, and Heiden.
go to michael stephens' myspace site c s c p r o f e s s o r s o f j a z z
The CSC Professors of Jazz formed in the fall of 2007 and perform throughout the region. The group maintains a diverse repertoire, including jazz standards and originals. A priority for the Professors is to have a presence in the area schools, and the group is always interested increasing these appearances, but the band can be contracted for private events as well. For booking information, email at mstephens@csc.edu or call 308/432-6320.
pictured (L to R):
saxophones & flute: Stephens
vocals: Joel Schreuder
guitar: Charles Carey
piano: Jim Margetts
trumpet: Adam Lambert
drums: Sandy Schaefer
bass: Jerome Vogel
f r e e l a n c e s a x o p h o n i s t
Stephens studied with saxophonists Greg Banaszak, Howie Smith, John Klayman, and Warren Defren, and worked under Nathan Davis at the University of Pittsburgh. Before joining the faculty at Chadron State College, Stephens worked with numerous bands in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania in jazz, blues, and popular styles.
jazz:
Stephens-Finkelstein Duo (2007)
Warren Henry Group (1999-2005) Osmosis (1994-2002)
Dan Bailey Quartet (2000)
Swing Machine (1997)
Rex Shepherd Group (1996)
blues:
Bluestones (1994-2002)
Delgados (1997-2000)
Fat City Blues (1992-3)
popular styles / all occasion: City Heat (2007)
Carnival (2000)
Melvin Lewis Esquire (1999-2000) Class Reunion (1992-2000)
Jerry Bruno Band (1995)
o s m o s i s
Stephens was a founding member and co-leader of Osmosis, a jazz fusion group that performed throughout Northeast Ohio from 1994-2002, opening for Spyro Gyra, Chuck Mangione, Marion Meadows, and Blood, Sweat, and Tears. "I simply loved performing in this group. We were together a long time and rehearsed diligently, and I was always proud to take the stage with this wonderful group of musicians." - [Stephens] Osmosis recorded and produced two CDs: Music (1995) and Perspectives (1999).
musicians:
drums: Brett Brandon (1994)
keyboards: Will Caynon (1997-2002)
drums: Joe Culley (1995-2002)
guitars: Eric Franchi (1999)
guitars: Jim Gluyas (2000-2002)
guitars: Warren Henry (1994-1998)
basses: Sam Kibler (1994-2002)
percussion: Terry Lewis (1998-9)
saxophones & flute: Stephens (1994-2002)
L to R: Bob, Mo, Dave, Michael, Greg, Annie, Mark, Jim, Terry, Jeff
Playing alto and tenor saxophones with Class Reunion was Stephens' first steady professional gig. The band performs the music of the Grass Roots, Chicago, The Spiral Staircase, The Ides of March, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Sly & the Family Stone, Van Morrison, and others.
musicians:
guitar and vocals: Greg Crowe
vocals: Anne Wisehart, Kelly Hertrick
keyboards and vocals: Terry Evans
bass and vocals: Jim Cunningham
drums and vocals: Bob Bailey, Van Eidom
saxophones: Stephens
trumpets: Albert Flowers, Mark van Deusen
Dave Harrison, Brian Prunty, Andy Platz
trombones: Jeff Myers, Rico Richmond
sound: Michael Cain k e n t s t a t e u n i v e r s i t y
Kent State University Jazz Ensemble I - Tri-C Jazz Festival - 1990
back row: Chris Baker, Ben Baker, Fred Selvaggio, Tom Ritzgers, Albert Flowers,
Chuck Rickard, Ed Kline, Chris Curtis, Steve Meiser
middle: Chas Baker, Bryan Thomas, Chuck Bishop, Mark Mauldin, Mike Brenner,
Mark Hoelscher, Kerri Watson, Raleigh Dailey, Don Philpott
front: Stephens, Charles Dye, Bobby Selvaggio, Ron Petroff, George Taylor
Masters:
Jazz Ensemble I: lead alto, flute, clarinet (2000-1)
Bachelors:
Jazz Ensemble I: primarily lead tenor, clarinet (1985-90)
- backed internationally-acclaimed guest artists, including Clark Terry, Marian McPartland, and Bill Dobbins
Wind Ensemble: principle alto and baritone saxophones (1986-9)
Pit Orchestra for Chicago: reed I: alto & soprano sax, clarinet, flute (1989)
Symphonic Band: principle alto saxophone & clarinet (1985-6 and 1988)
Saxophone Quartet: baritone saxophone (1986-7)
Marching Band: tenor saxophone (1985-6)
Flasherbrass: tenor and alto saxophones (1985-7)
