The story
The story
started back in 1998, when founder Zoltán Finok listened to jazz radio shows on Voice of America Jazz Hour late nights, hosted by the legendary Willis Conover. As Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Lester Young filled the airwaves, something clicked – and just like that, swing jazz became more than music. It became a mission.
By 2000, with swing tunes bouncing around his head and a deep love for the genre, Zoltán set out to build a band. He found other musicians just as jazz-crazy as he was and The Jazz Steps Band was born.
Each member brings their own story to the band – like the trumpet player, who preferred Louis Armstrong solos over math schoolwork or the drummer, whose neighbors basically lived next door to a Gene Krupa solo. While they’ve grown as musicians, tried their hands at other genres, and earned professional qualifications, they’ve never lost their love for early jazz. And that love shines through in every performance.
Why they’re different…
They don’t just play the classics of the swing era but they also throw in surprises. Their set lists are filled with rare gems and playful, jazzed-up versions of tunes you’d never expect. Think you’re just coming for a traditional swing set? Think again.
Whether it’s a club gig or a big jazz festival, their shows are packed with charm, energy and the timeless joy of swing. One thing’s guaranteed: you won’t be bored.
„Jazz Steps Band is firmly in the straight-ahead, swing mode and it well along the way to establishing an individual style and identity.”
Joe Muranyi
Clarinetist of Louis Armstrong Band 1969-73
„We are proud, that Copenhagen Harbour Jazz was the first organisation that present Jazz Steps Band in Copenhagen. It is a very well playing band, with really good musicians. The Jazz Steps Band have popular appeal and the audiens stay for the last minute…and longer!!!”
Lotte Lander
Copenhagen Harbour Jazz
„Jazz Steps Bands was very good with its wide repertoire. They played at Full speed with high quality, everything from New Orleans jazz to Basie, Ellington, Benny Goodman. The evening was memorable and a peak of Falsterbo Jazz Club.”
Tommy Omfors
Falsterbo Jazz Club
Videos
Playlist
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Discography
This CD is the first of Jazz Steps Band and it was born after three years cooperation in 2002. This record has been drawn from examples of 30’s and 40’s jazz arrangements.
„The accomplished musicians who have asked me to joined them on this recording deliver the music with confidence and they swing as hard as many sextet you’ll hear anywhere in the world.” Leroy Jones
The „Budapest Swing” album can be regarded as a wish list. The CD contains a collection of songs played frequently over the last few years that are favourites of not only the audience, but of the band too.
The Jazz Steps Band „Brass” formation intends to revive and keep alive the feeling, melodies, rhythm, variety and happiness of traditional jazz.
With this „Fifty-Fifty” CD we can experience the musical meeting of a young, Hungarien band and an old trooper, survivor of countless jazz appearances – Joe Muranyi.
