Steve Brien

Jazz guitarist Steve Brien grew up in Sydney, Australia. Getting involved with jazz groups in the late 70s, he soon established himself on the scene playing with local jazz musicians such as Dale Barlow, James Morrison and Don Burrows. In 1985 Steve won an overseas study grant (the Don Banks Memorial Fellowship)and went to New York City, where he spent two years doing some part time study with guitarists Jack Wilkins and John Scofield and playing with many New York musicians.

Steve returned to Australia in 1987 and went on the road with the James Morrison Quintet, traveling extensively throughout Australasia and Europe. In 1992 he moved to Connecticut with his family, and became established on the Connecticut jazz scene, playing with many local and New York jazz musicians, such as: John Mastrioanni, Nicole Pasternak, Ralph Lalama, Ali Ryerson, Giacomo Gates and Joyce Di Camillo.

In 1998 Steve was offered a position on the jazz faculty of the NSW Conservatorium of Music, so he moved back to Sydney. He received a masters degree in Jazz Performance in 2005, and in 2023, celebrated 25 years in the Jazz Guitar Chair at NSW Conservatorium of Music. Through the 2000’s Steve kept a busy gig schedule alongside his teaching, playing with musicians and entertainers such as: Dale Barlow, Tom Burlinson, The Sydney Jazz Trio, Errol Buddle, Col Nolan, Di Bird and Dorian Mode; as well as international touring acts: bebop vocalist Giacomo Gates, Vocalist Bruce Brown,Jazz organ player Tony Monaco and US Tenor player Eric Alexander.

Hear Steve, accompanying poet Ross Donlon, on the Festival’s Sunday morning session.