Biography

Steven Hennig began his formal music training at the University of Utah and UNLV with a Jazz scholarship, which developed into music composition and, ultimately, recording. After college, Henning settled in Yuma, Arizona, and although Yuma seems a rather unlikely place to find accomplished, honed musicians with whom to collaborate, Hennig managed to attract others of the same ilk, each bringing their own musical talent and formal training to the table creating a notable synergy. Rounding out the band are Brian Carlson (tenor and alto saxophone), Carl Posch (guitar), Jon Knudtson (bass) and Brandon Coz (drums). They originally formed for a concert series in 2002, and since then have been asked to anchor several other successful concert series and performed at many public and private events, developing a burgeoning and loyal fan following as evidenced by strong attendance at their many shows.
This year marked the fifth season of a very popular music series that is organized by Yuma Jazz called the Village Jazz Series, which runs from January through April in Yuma. This series has featured local, regional, and world-renowned talent, such as flutist Holly Hofmann, pianist Bill Cunliffe, guitarist Peter Sprague, trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, and many others. Of his own music Hennig states, "I write to bring fresh, crowd-friendly tunes to mainstream Jazz—but most importantly I love to perform." His music tends to be fairly groove oriented using Latin and progressive influences, but he heavily utilizes the outstanding abilities of drummer Brandon Coz to bring out Afro-Cubano, calypso, samba, and New Orleans' street beats, to create an irresistible mix of styles. And in the true tradition of Jazz, the focus is on improvisation which takes the listener on a wild ride that you don't want to end.
To date, Yuma Jazz Company has recorded three CDs, Shades After Dark, 95 North, and Street Scene, with great response from both listeners as well as music reviewers from publications, such as Jazz Review and Jazz Now. Since developing such a tremendous regional following, Yuma Jazz Company is re-releasing their latest CD, Street Scene, in conjunction with a radio campaign in order to reach a larger audience. So, if you have an opportunity to "tune in" or visit the Southwest, be sure to be on the "lookout" for Yuma Jazz Company.
As noted by music reviewer Kassandra Hall, Yuma In Motion, [http://www.yumainmotion.com/currentissue/index.htm] July-August 2006, "When thinking of cities that present diverse and delicious flavors of artistry and culture, Yuma may not occupy a prominent position within your artistic palette. The arts, however, are alive and thriving in Yuma and Steven Hennig is a testament to that."