Steve Dow (aka "Jolt") has been playing kit drums, exotic percussion, and singing both lead & backing vocals for over 30 years. He's toured throughout the U.S. with the original jump blues band "The Persuaders"; as well as throughout the northeastern U.S. in numerous cover and original bands; playing everything from fusion, funk, rock, jazz, Latin, crossover country, and R&B.
Early on, he studied with Bobbi Clarke (a touring drummer with Joan Baez and a pioneer in the development of jazz-rock fusion drumming). Bobbi had a great deal of influence on his approach to his instrument, and the music industry in general. But over time, performing alongside some great musicians, he has truly been able to develop his skills (as well as a great deal respect for his instrument, and how to play "for the song"). As a result, Steve has developed high-level capabilities across a wide range of musical genres, and is a respected session/live player in the northeastern U.S.
Steve has shared the stage with performers such as Delbert McClinton, Farrenheit, Albert Collins, Joan Jett, Till Tuesday, The Joe Perry Project, Molly Hatchet, and many others. He's also done sessions and/or performed with musicians who themselves have recorded and/or performed with artists such Alison Krauss, Artie Shaw, Maynard Ferguson, MC5, Buddy Rich, Albert Collins, Albert King, Bo Diddly, and more.
Currently, Steve performs and records with the multi-award winning crossover country artist Joan Kennedy, while doing session and live work with other artists. But, no matter what the situation, "Jolt" can create "great grooves", "nail the pocket", and offer up a wide range of fills and solos from his large "bag of tricks". He also writes and arranges.
At "Fastest Drummer" Finals Berklee Qualifier with ("cool guy"), Judge, and current "World's Fastest Drummer"; Mike Mangini.
Steve has an "Outstanding Musicianship" award
from the NAJE (National Association of Jazz Educators), shares
an ASCAP songwriting award (earned while touring with the original rock band "Safety in Numbers"), and placed third at the "2004 World's
Fastest Drummer" competition held at the NAMM Show in California. Steve's current "unofficial maximum" speed for single stroke rolls in 60-seconds is 1069 - but who's counting - groove is where it's really at; right! |
