Steve Cromity is a jazz vocalist known for his smooth, melodic phrasing and his deep appreciation for the messages in the lyrics he sings. Wisdom and understanding are central to Steve’s approach. With over ten years of experience in his craft, Steve previously enjoyed a successful career in the public sector, where working well with people was paramount—an art he still applies today. His spiritual values underpin his positive approach to life and his desire to lift others through beautiful, meaningful songs and melodies.
Steve is an original New Yorker, born in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, where he grew up. His family’s apartment was on the first floor above a tavern, Jack’s Bar and Grill. From his earliest recollection, he remembers hearing Coltrane, Miles, and Nina from the jukeboxes that had the latest jazz releases. Those sounds seeped into his soul forever. Later, he played drums in junior high and high school, further establishing his musical appreciation and knowledge.
After some years with no musical involvement while raising a family, Steve was inspired by Eddie Jefferson, “the godfather of vocalese.” This inspiration blossomed into Steve’s current status as a seasoned, textured, and matured vocalist. His other influences include Oscar Brown, Jr., Johnny Hartman, and Billy Eckstine.
Steve’s foray into the world of jazz began with his debut CD, “Steppin’ Out,” which garnered considerable accolades. From the beginning, he worked with several leading NYC jazz musicians, including tenor saxophonist Eric Wyatt, pianist Rodney Kendrick, bassist Joseph Lepore, and drummer Emanuel Harold.
Now, Steve is an active player on the NYC jazz scene, performing at many of New York’s top venues, including Birdland, Smoke, Cleopatra’s Needle, Katano, Lenox Lounge, and Jazz 966. He has performed with many of NYC’s finest jazz artists, including Paul Beaudry, Kenyatta Beasley, Richard Clements, Bruce Cox, Patience Higgins, Alex Layne, Marcus Persiani, James Weidman, and Eric Wyatt.
Steve patiently waited to create his new CD, doing so when he had something to say. This CD represents the best in vocal jazz and the genre, featuring several great NYC musicians: Kenyatta Beasley on trumpet, Patience Higgins on flute, tenor sax, and soprano, Eric Wyatt on tenor sax, Marcus Parsiani on piano, Eric Lemon on bass, and Darrell Green on drums.
The songs Steve selected for this CD are some of his favorites, fitting the various rhythms, moods, and concepts he most wanted to convey. Steve particularly loves to swing, so “Old Devil Moon,” “When Lights Are Low,” “Sugar,” “Jeannine,” and “Without a Song” all swing in various tempos. The ballads “All My Tomorrows,” the theme of the CD, is served up with heartfelt feelings, as is “Where Do We Start,” a poignant, impassioned piece. “My Little Boat,” the Bossa of the CD project, is all about the bliss of romance. The third ballad, “I Was Telling Her About You,” is a bit tongue-in-cheek and somewhat humorous, but a condition known to actually happen. Among these is “How Little We Know,” definitely one of Steve’s favorites. Enjoy!
Here’s other remarks expressed about Steve:
• “… a straight ahead, crisply swinging session from a talented singer with impeccable diction and an ear for great songs”.
– All About Jazz
• “…a revered melodic accuracy, and cool and comfortable outlook that will put a smile on your face”.
– Cadence Magazine
• “…what Steve presents to us is Pure Honesty in his music…’Jazz is a cat being honest with himself’ (and thereby with us). And the hip part is that it works”!
– Rob Crocker, WBGO FM-Radio personality
• “I listened to “Steppin’ Out” in its entirety and I think your phrasing and your selection of material are in the hippest tradition of the art”.
– Oscar Brown, Jr., the late, legendary singer and composers
Steve Cromity 