Solo jazz piano playing provides the freedom to take license with all kinds of things, making it a more creative session than might otherwise be allowed by the trio or other formats. Of course, along with playing solo comes the responsibility of covering all the roles of the other players when the time comes, but it is rewarding.

Steve works with Overlake Hospital's Volunteer program to play at their Bellevue hospital location, providing solo piano jazz music as a healing art, not just for patients, but for patients' families and others who need a lift from the stressors that can come with visiting the hospital. "It's an excellent way to give back to the community," says Steve.