ABSTRACT
Steve Kuhn, born March 24, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, began studying piano at age five, becoming inspired to play jazz through listening to his father’s record collection. After his family moved to Boston in 1950, Kuhn began studying Russian piano technique from Margaret Chaloff, mother of jazz baritone saxophonist Serge Chaloff, who hired Kuhn to play in his band on the recommendation of Chaloff’s mother. During the summer of 1959, Kuhn was offered a scholarship to attend the Lenox School of Jazz where the faculty included George Russell, Gunther Schuller, Bill Evans, Jimmy Giuffre and the members of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Moving to New York City in the fall of 1959, Kuhn was hired by Kenny Dorham, who he had also met at the Lenox School. Through Dorham, he made a connection with John Coltrane, who would hire Kuhn to play with his group. Additionally, Kuhn discusses his personal relationships with Bill Evans, Scott LaFaro, Charlie Haden and Stan Getz, along with others.
