Steve Phillips
Biography
Steven Phillips has been playing professionally since 1989. After a successful high school career as a multiple All-State musician, he studied at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Conservatory of Music. From there he went on to play with many local and national acts, including Clark Terry, Gary Foster, Lew Soloff, The Impressions, City Light Orchestra and Kirk Whalum. As front man for smooth jazz group Sojourn, he shared the stage with many smooth jazz artists such as Chris Botti, Rick Braun, Paul Taylor, Phil Perry, Russ Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip and Marilyn Scott. He has recorded with Chris Brisciano, Dave Weckl and Platinum Express, featuring Bruce Conte of Tower of Power fame. Currently Steven is a performer and private instructor in the Clear Lake area of Houston, and is a veteran woodwind technician. Check out what’s going on and hear some of Steven’s recordingsat www.stevenlphillipsmusic.com.
equipment
Virtuoso Tenor Saxophone
“I am very impressed with this RS Berkeley Virtuoso tenor saxophone. As a technician, I see so many horns that are of poor quality, and feel cheap, that I suspected when I saw the name this horn would be no different. Boy was I wrong. I noticed that the horn had a nice heavy feel to it. The quality of the build seems better than many horns made by more recognizable brands. The single arms on the lower keys tell me the materials are strong enough to handle the stresses and not require the helper arms. I have been impressed with the ability the horn has to hold its adjustments as well or better than the “big” brands. I am simply blown away at the tone of this tenor. It has that “sizzle” I’ve been looking for. I can push it hard in a horn section or soloing over a loud funk band, than I can find the sweet spot just as easily in a jazz trio setting. It’s got a nice, rich low register and precise scale and altissimo. RS Berkeley has knocked it out of the park with this model. Right now, this horn is everything I’ve ever wanted in a sax, and the finish and engraving are just gorgeous.”