john stenger | music

John Stenger is an accomplished musician with a unique and personal voice, informed by his deep love of many different styles of musical expression – from bluegrass to rock to samba, from intricately composed classical music to spontaneous free improvisation. He has performed on more than 40 albums, music directed numerous professional theater productions, established himself as a knowledgeable and sympathetic dance accompanist, and his playing and writing have been heard on television, radio, and in person across the country. Born and raised in Kentucky, John began playing the piano at a young age. He became serious about jazz while in high school and continued his studies in New York City at the innovative New School jazz program. He finished his degree in classical music at New York’s Queens College. John was based in the Philadelphia area from 2002 until 2016, when he moved to Colorado. He has performed or recorded with jazz icons such as Bob Mintzer and Dick Oatts, Latin jazz luminaries including Pedrito Martinez, Brian Lynch, Jimmy Bosch, and Mongo Santamaría, and genre-defying legends like Will Lee and Bernie Worrell. More recent projects include the “high mountain soul” of Samantha Rise, a month-long residency at Nocturne in Denver celebrating the jazz tradition of Philadelphia, and performances with numerous Colorado salsa bands, including Conjunto Colores, Orquesta La Brava, and Quemando.