Who is UK guitarist Steve Banks?
Steve Banks is a guitarist, composer and bandleader.
Steve released ‘Emboldened’, his critically acclaimed debut album on Stoney Lane Records in 2023 followed by a UK tour.
“Steve Banks evokes a Metheny-esque lyricism”
Banks has performed at venues across the UK and Europe including Symphony Hall and CBSO Centre in Birmingham, Barbican and King’s Place in London, Manchester Jazz and Cheltenham Jazz Festivals and Jazzahead! in Germany.
A collaboration with arranger Jonathan Silk now presents the ‘Emboldened’ album alongside other compositions of Banks’ for jazz orchestra and choir, with concerts as guest artist and composer including Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Leeds Conservatoire, University of Birmingham and WYJO.
Steve’s captivating style and versatility have kept him much in demand for many successful music projects, most notably playing electric, acoustic, baritone and nylon string guitars on Sara Colman’s albums ‘What We’re Made Of’ and ‘Ink On A Pin’, with credits as composer, co-composer and arranger. Both albums feature jazz sextet with string quartet and received high UK/US critical acclaim including Jazzwise Magazine’s ‘Top 10 albums of 2018’, ‘Best of Jazz on Bandcamp’ and 5 stars by UK Vibe.
Further projects include Greg Cordez Band (Ropeadope) and The Colman Brothers (Wah-Wah 45s), amongst others.
“Skilled, flowing guitar”
“Whether on acoustic or electric guitar, Steve Banks brings a crisp lyricism that mimics Colman’s flight patterns then deviates in fascinating directions”
Discography_
‘Ink On A Pin. A Celebration Of Joni Mitchell’
::: Guitarist
::: Co-arranger
‘An album of engulfing beauty’ Jazzwise Magazine
‘What We’re Made Of’
::: Guitarist
::: Co-composer & arranger
‘Top 10 albums of 2018’ Jazzwise Magazine