Steve Hass (born 1975, New York City) is a professional studio/touring drummer[1] and producer who has worked with such artists as Cher, John Scofield, The Manhattan Transfer, Ravi Coltrane, Miri Ben-Ari, Christian McBride, Danillo Perez, John Patitucci, Richard Bona, Wayne Krantz, The BBC Big Band, Suzanne Vega, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Russ Ferrante, Will Lee, Anthony Jackson and many others. He has also shared the stage with such renown artists as Billy Joel, Art Garfunkel, George Benson to name a few. Hass is amongst a small group of prolific freelance musicians who are in demand by renown artists in a wide variety of musical genres. His participation in the New York City jazz scene from 1998-2007 has given him the label "jazz drummer", however Hass also has worked with many pop and commercial artists both live and in the recording studio. Hass believes jazz music is the foundation for the drum kit, just as many consider classical music the foundation for instruments such as the piano.
After attending Berklee College Of Music on scholarship from 1993–1996 Steve was asked to join the Ravi Coltrane Quartet. He toured and recorded with the band from 1996 to 2002. The music was a mixture of traditional jazz, funk, and odd meter fusion. During this time Steve was also a studio drummer in New York City playing on dozens of national jingles, record dates, television shows, and movie soundtracks. He was also a member of Ruben Wilson's "Masters Of Groove" where he shared the drum chair with the legendary Bernard Purdie. In addition, during this period Steve toured with Christian McBride, Suzanne Vega, Miri Ben-Ari, Bob Berg, and Richard Bona amongst others.
In 2003 Steve began touring and recording with multiple Grammy winners and Atlantic recording artists, The Manhattan Transfer. He remains the first call drummer for The Manhattan Transfer, and works with them as his schedule permits. He is the first touring drummer in the history of the band to actually record with them. He is featured on 3 album releases and 1 live concert DVD. In late 2003, Hass released a solo album named Traveler. The C.D displays Hass' skills as a talented producer. His usage of sonic layering and drum loops is reminiscent of Jon Brion.
In 2005 Steve joined John Scofield and Mavis Staples to support Scofield's Verve release "That's What I'd Say". The band toured around the world from 2005 until December 2007 playing R+B, Soul, Jazz and Latin. [1]. Scofield also used Steve in his jazz trio, along with bassist John Benitez for select local N.Y dates.
In 2006 Hass had an eight-page feature interview in Modern Drummer Magazine. He is now a regular educational contributor in the "ask a pro" and "workshop" columns.
Since establishing a second residence in Los Angeles in 2007, Steve regularly performs with pianist and Tony Williams alumnus Alan Pasqua, along with saxophone virtuoso Bob Sheppard. He is also a visiting faculty member at such schools as USC, LA Music Academy, and The New School for Jazz in New York City.
Here is a short list of Steve Hass' musical affiliations: