Steve Baker was born and raised in London, England, and now lives near Hamburg, Germany. He took up the harp in 1969 and has been a full-time professional since 1975. Today he is undoubtedly one of the leading blues harmonica players on the European scene, and indeed one of the finest exponents of this instrument in the world. Among harmonica fans he has earned an international reputation for his outstanding and original playing as well as for his excellent books on the subject. Over the years Steve has become a kind of harmonica guru for numerous up and coming players. His highly individual style is a exciting fusion of traditional blues elements with innovative melodic ideas and showcases his mastery of dynamics and tone.
Steve appears live most frequently with Abi Wallenstein & Blues Culture and with Canadian singer/songwriter and guitar virtuoso Dave Goodman. Until the latter's untimely death in autumn 2005, Steve performed and recorded regularly with guitarist/songwriter extraordinaire Chris Jones. Jones and Baker released four critically acclaimed CDs together on Acoustic Music Records and played in Australia, Poland, Russia and the USA as well as in western Europe.
In addition to frequent live appearances, Steve gives regular harmonica workshops and is also much in demand as a session musician. He has been Hohner's international consultant for diatonic harmonicas since 1987 and and has been closely involved in the development of several new models including the Marine Band Deluxe and Marine Band Crossover models as well as harmonica education and coordination with the pro and semi-pro scene. He initiated the Harmonica Masters Workshops starting 2003 in Trossingen and featuring the amazing Joe Filisko, David Barrett, Brendan Power and Carlos del Junco, as well as the European blues Masterclass in Alsace (F), starting 2009.
Steve is also a highly regarded author of harmonica literature and has written a number of instructional books. "The Harp Handbook" (Music Sales), first published in 1990 and now in its 4th edition, is considered the standard work on the diatonic harp and is often referred to as the "harmonica player's bible". The CD-ROM "Interactive Blues Harp Workshop" (1999, Voggenreiter) was the first work of its kind in this field. In 2000, 2003 and 2007 he published volumes 1,2&3 of his series "Blues Harmonica Playalongs".
Steve has performed on stage with several legendary blues artists including ex-Beatle Tony Sheridan, Louisiana Red, Alexis Korner and Champion Jack Dupree as well as appearing as a studio musician on recordings by numerous German and international artists, among them Al Martino, James Last and Dionne Warwick. As well as radio and TV appearances he has played on many international festivals including the Tamworth Country Festival (AUS), St. Petersberg Jazz Festival (RUS), Chicago Harmonica Extravaganza (USA), Rock am Meer (D, opening for the Scorpions), Tønder Festival (DK), Ospel Rhythm & Blues Festival (NL), Soulsvaer Blues Festival (N), Asia-Pacific Harmonica Festival (Taiwan), Harmonicas sur Cher (F), Harmonicales (F) and many others.
For more detailed Information:
www.stevebaker.de
