Steve Reid has been playing professionally for more than 20 years in many bands and orchestras of varying musical styles. From 1990-1994, he played lead trumpet for Disneyland and Walt Disney World backing up and working with artists such as Bobby Shew, Maynard Feguson, Della Reese, Joe Williams, Jerry Hey, Matt Harris, Diane Schuur, Rosemary Clooney, Billy Taylor, Mercer Ellington and Lionel Hampton. He has worked with Columbia Artstis Management and played solo trumpet for the touring Tribute to the Artie Shaw Big BAnd featuring the Ink Spots, Julius LaRosa and Abe Most.
Steve attended the University of North Florida and the University of Miami. While working on a degree in Jazz Performance he played lead trumpet for numerous artists in both university big bands.
From 1994-2002, Steve played the "Cat Anderson" book and lead trumpet with the Duke Ellington Orchestra under the direction of Mercer Ellington. While touring with the Ellington Orchestra, he played wtih Maureen McGovern, Cleo Laine, Ramsey Lewis and Joe Williams. The orchestra toured extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, Canada and Japan. With the band led by Paul Mercer Ellington in 2000, Steve played with Whitney Houston Bobby Brown and Branford Marsalis. He has also played in the pit orchestras for the musical production s of 'Cats' and 'Miss Saigon' on Broadway in New York. In the spring of 1997, Steve toured extensively playing lead trumpet for Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau band. He appeared with Ferguson on BET television.
After completing a 3 year contract in New Orleans playing lead trumpet at the Famous Door on Bourbon Street, he freelanced in Miami, FL. He regularly played recording sessions in town and performed live and recorded with Arturo Sandoval, ChickCorea, Steve Turre, Claudio Roditi, Ed Calle and Poncho Sanchez. Other live performances in Miami include concerts with Michael Feinstein, Shirley MacLaine, Monica Mancini, the Woody Herman band and Ray Charles.
After moving to Los Angeles in 2002, Steve joined KC and the Sunshine Band. For three years he played lead and solo trumpet in over 100 national and international dates a year. Along with the etensive live performance schedule, this band appeared on many daytime and late night talk television shows.
Steve has completed his fifth year with the Brian Setzer Orchestra. While on tour, this band has been featured on Late Night with Conan O' Brien, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show, The Rachel Ray Show, and the Tony Danza Show among others. Most recent recording credits for the Brian Setzer Orchestra include the 2009 release "Songs from Lonely Avenue", Grammy nominated album "Wolfgan's Big Night Out" and the national television spot for Ritz Crackers.
Steve has also recorded for Kirk Franklin, Javon Jackson and with Fred Hammon on his Grammy winning album "Free to Worship".
As a freelance musician in southern California, Steve works regularly with various artists and acts including Al McKay and the Earth, Wind and Fire Experience. He also maintains and active guest artist and clinician schedule.
