Steve Giordano is a Philadelphia-based jazz guitarist whose life and work have been shaped by one of the most transformative eras in creative music. His early education came not through formal schooling, but through deep listening—first to radio, then to 45s and LPs from the mid-1950s. From the raw energy of early rock guitar to the profound influence of artists like Dave Brubeck, Art Blakey, and John Coltrane, his path into jazz was both organic and immersive.

A pivotal early influence came from a Columbia LP featuring Leonard Bernstein, offering his first spoken insights into jazz. The music of Wes Montgomery and Jim Hall became foundational, alongside theoretical inspiration from Persichetti, Schillinger, and Hindemith. Though largely self-directed, Giordano’s education was guided by the highest caliber of musical voices.

As technology evolved, so did his creative scope. He explored synthesizers, string synthesizers, multi-track recording, and sampling—embracing the transition from analog to digital and expanding his palette to include fully realized, studio-based jazz orchestrations.

His musical journey has spanned the full spectrum of jazz—from swing and bebop to fusion, funk, and avant-garde—shaped by the influence of artists such as Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and others. Beginning as a rock guitarist in his teens, he gradually integrated jazz into his playing, leading to formative experiences with drummer Chico Hamilton and later work on the organ circuit with Richard “Groove” Holmes and Willis Jackson. His performances have taken him across the United States and Europe, including France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain.

In his composing years, Giordano drew inspiration from master arrangers like Quincy Jones, Gil Evans, and Claus Ogerman, as well as the rich harmonic language of Brazilian music through artists such as Egberto Gismonti, João Gilberto, and Antonio Carlos Jobim. This influence led to a deep exploration of lush harmonic textures and expressive string writing.

Links To Interviews -

• The Guide Tone System

• Half Steps

• Brennen questions