Steve Turre life and biography

Steve Turre: Jazz Trombonist, Shell Maestro, and Innovator

Steve Turre is a renowned jazz trombonist, recording artist, arranger, and educator. With a career that spans decades, Turre is celebrated for his exceptional skills and innovative approach to jazz. A multiple-time winner of the Down Beat Readers' Poll for Best Trombonist, he has worked alongside legendary musicians like Art Blakey, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Woody Shaw, and Dizzy Gillespie. Known for blending traditional jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms and his unique use of conch shells, Turre continues to push the boundaries of jazz music.

Early Life and Influences

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Steve Turre’s passion for music was ignited early on. His parents, avid jazz lovers who met at a Count Basie dance, exposed him to the big band sounds of Duke Ellington and Count Basie, which left a lasting impression on the young Turre. He was also deeply influenced by the salsa and mariachi music of his Latin heritage, further enriching his musical foundation.

As a child, Turre studied the trombone and was captivated by the sound of J.J. Johnson, one of the leading trombonists of the time. At just 18 years old, Turre got his first big break when jazz legend Rahsaan Roland Kirk invited him to perform on stage at San Francisco’s Jazz Workshop. This opportunity not only introduced Turre to the world of professional jazz but also exposed him to Kirk’s unique use of unconventional instruments, including the conch shell, which would later become a defining feature of Turre’s music.

Breakthrough in Jazz and Career Milestones

In 1972, Turre's career took off when he joined Ray Charles on a world tour. Over the next few years, he played with some of the greatest names in jazz, including Art Blakey, Cedar Walton, and Woody Shaw. His long-standing collaboration with Shaw from 1980 to 1987 saw them release twelve recordings together, cementing Turre’s reputation as a versatile composer and performer.

A turning point in Turre’s career occurred during a tour stop in Mexico City, where he visited ancient Aztec ruins and discovered that his ancestors also used shells as musical instruments. This revelation inspired Turre to fully embrace shell-playing, merging his personal heritage with his music. He eventually founded Sanctified Shells, a shell choir that fuses shell-blowing with jazz rhythms, ensuring the ancient instrument found a place in modern jazz.

Musical Innovation and Unique Style

Steve Turre is celebrated not only for his exceptional trombone playing but also for his innovation in incorporating shells into his music. His 1997 self-titled album Steve Turre for Verve Records marked a high point in his career, showcasing his ability to blend brass undertones, Brazilian samba, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and jazz into a single, cohesive sound. Critics like Down Beat’s Dan Ouellette praised the album for reflecting Turre’s multifaceted jazz passions and called it “his finest hour.”

Turre's willingness to experiment with new sounds has led to collaborations with a wide range of artists, including Lester Bowie, Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, and Van Morrison. His ability to balance tradition with innovation has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Later Career and Legacy

In addition to his work as a performer, Steve Turre has become a respected educator and advocate for the trombone and shells as instruments. He has taught and mentored countless aspiring musicians, all while continuing to perform with some of the jazz world's finest. His regular appearances as a trombonist in the Saturday Night Live band and his composition work for television and film further showcase his versatility.

As a leading figure in modern jazz, Turre's impact on the genre cannot be overstated. His unique use of shells and commitment to pushing musical boundaries have made him a true innovator. With multiple awards under his belt and a long-standing career, Turre continues to inspire both fans and fellow musicians alike.

Interesting Facts about Steve Turre

Steve Turre has won the Down Beat Reader's Poll for Best Trombonist multiple times, including in 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2006.
He plays a wide range of shell instruments, adding a unique element to his jazz performances.
Turre has collaborated with iconic musicians like Art Blakey, Woody Shaw, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk.
He has performed in the Saturday Night Live band since the 1980s, balancing his television career with jazz performances worldwide.

Discography:

1987 Viewpoints And Vibrations (Stash)
1988 Fire And Ice (Stash)
1991 Right There (Antilles Records)
1993 Sanctified Shells (Polygram)
1995 Rhythm Within (Antilles) with Herbie Hancock, Pharoah Sanders
1997 Steve Turre (Verve Records)
1999 In The Spur Of The Moment (Telarc Records)
1999 Lotus Flower (Polygram)
2000 TNT (Telarc)
2003 One4J: Paying Homage to J.J. Johnson (Telarc)
2004 The Spirits Up Above (Highnote Records)
2006 Keep Searchin'
2008 Rainbow People
2012 Woody's Delight
2013 The Bones of Art
2015 Spiritman
2016 Colors for the Masters
2018 The Very Thought of You
2022 Generations
2024 Sanyas (Live album)

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