Steve Kozak was born in Vancouver BC Canada and has been a mainstay on the western Canadian Blues scene since the mid-eighties. Backed by some of Vancouver's top musicians Steve has built a reputation as one of Canada's premier Blues acts.
In a August 2012 article Roger Levesque, of The Edmonton Journal said, "The guitarist-singer/songwriter is a big fan of the American west-coast sound, swing and jump styles. Listen to his upbeat tunes and you'll come away with a sunnier mood."
Throughout his career Steve has shared the stage, and played with many Blues greats including; Pee Wee Crayton, James Harman, Big Joe Duskin, Sonny Rhodes, Eddie 'The Chief' Clearwater, Duke Robillard, Rod Piazza, Rick Estrin, Mark Hummel, Lee Oskar, Nick Curran, Big Joe Louis, Mitch Woods, Tom Holland, Kenny Blues Boss Wayne, Miss Robin Banks, and Rockabilly guitar legend Evan Johns.
Known for his tireless efforts promoting Blues and Roots music on the West Coast Steve has also worked as the artistic director and talent purchaser for the 2011 and 2012 Powell River Blues Festival.
Recent career highlights include performances at the 2012 Edmonton International Blues Festival, where he and the band were held over by request to perform at the Edmonton Blues Festival volunteer dance, shows at the 2011 and 2012 Powell River Blues Festival, the 2012 Great Canadian Bike Rally in Merritt BC, the 2011 Nanaimo Blues Festival, The 2011 Rare Earth music Festival at Silver Star Resort in Vernon BC. The 2010 Labatt Blues Festival in Edmonton Alberta with James Harman, 2010 Pender Harbour Blues Festival with James Harman, the Gastown Blues & Chili Festival in Vancouver BC and the 2009 Nanaimo Blues Festival.
Steve and his Westcoast All-Stars have worked as the backing band at festivals and club dates in western Canada supporting international recording artists such as James Harman, Mitch Woods, Big Joe Louis, 'The Shuffle King' Tom Holland, and Miss Robin Banks. He has also performed shows in Vancouver with Nick Curran and the Low-Lifes, Rick Estrin and the NightCats, Maria Muldaur, The Lee Boys and 'Super Harp' James Cotton.
Steve Kozak has just released a new independent CD in August of 2012 titled 'Lookin' at Lucky' featuring special guest James Harman.
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'Lookin' at Lucky' is the fourth and most highly anticipated release by Steve Kozak. As the title track suggests, Kozak offers up more upbeat original tunes that express his gratitude and joy for living after thriving and surviving a life that has taken a few hard turns along the way. Real honest Blues here with very few gimmicks, presented to the listener in a way that reflects the sound of the band as you would hear in a live performance.
The CD has been receiving rave reviews since its release in August of 2012. Holger Petersen host of CBC Radio's Saturday Night Blues and head of Stony Plain Records says "Really been enjoying 'Lookin' At Lucky'. Well done all round." John Vermilyea of Blues Underground Network says, "Steve Kozak's style of music is a great mix of Swingin', Jumpin', Rockin' Blues, which have no problem taking one back to the great music in those styles from the 50's, especially the great sound Steve presents with his Guitar." "Lookin' at Lucky" gets my highest rating of 5*****. A really fun album to listen to…"
More touring is on the horizon for Steve and his band in 2013. Be sure to catch Steve Kozak and his WestCoast All-Stars at a live music venue near you!
