Draft:Adegoke Steve Colson

Adegoke Steve Colson an American jazz pianist and composer. He's known for his individualistic style and deep immersion in the tradition of African American music.

Early life and education
Colson was born in Newark, New Jersey and grew up in East Orange. He studied at Northwestern University School of Music, where he received his degree. He moved back to New Jersey after 10 years living and working in Chicago.

Career
In his professional career, Colson has demonstrated wide-ranging musical talents, performing both as a solo artist and in collaboration with other musicians as on the album Return of the Lost Tribe. His compositions, characterized by complex rhythmic structures and inventive melodies, are deeply grounded in the historical traditions of jazz. Many of his works also reflect on social issues, particularly those pertaining to the African American experience.

Colson is one of the earliest members of the Association for the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), and remains an active member. On October 15, 2022 Colson's work was included in the 2022-2023 season of the SEM Ensemble conducted by Petr Kotik in a collaboration featuring AACM composers.

Throughout his professional career, Colson has proven his versatility and talent. His works range from solo performances to collaborations with other artists, reflecting the breadth of his musical abilities. His compositions are characterized by complex rhythmic structures, melodic inventiveness, and a deep understanding of jazz's historic traditions. His music often carries a powerful message, reflecting on social issues and the African American experience. He is known for his original and experimental work, and he has also collaborated with other artists including his wife, vocalist and composer Iqua Colson, Andrew Cyrille and many others. He and Iqua formed their own record label in 1979. His album of piano solos Tones For was voted as The Jazz Times Editor’s Choice The The Untarnished Dream which he recorded with Iqua Colson, Andrew Cyrille and Reggie Workman was voted into the top 10 % of the Jazz Critics Poll. His composition 'Leaving East of Java'. is featured on the critically acclaimed Andrew Cyrille 2021 album The News. In June 2022, as part of the A Train Festival Colson's original 6-movement composition, "Suite Harlem” was presented as a dedication to the Harlem School of the Arts and female pathbreaker, soprano Dorothy Maynor, who founded the school in the 1960s.

Personal life
Colson's personal life, familial relationships, and experiences have played a significant role in shaping his musical career. He shares a deep passion for education with his wife Iqua. They met and married in their early days in Chicago. Both have been active in various educational roles in the United States and abroad. Colson has taught around the world and is a leading speaker on jazz, composition, and performance.

Discography
“Triumph!” Silver Sphinx SS01

“No Reservation” Black Saint BSR 0043

“Hope for Love” Silver Sphinx SS12402

“ Untarnished Dream” Silver Sphinx SS12403

“ Freedom Rhythm & Sound – Revolutionary Jazz and The Civil Rights Movement” Soul Jazz Records SUR CD 219

“ Triumph!” (re-issue From Soul Jazz / London) Universal Sound US CD40

with THE DAVID MURRAY OCTET “New Life” * Black Saint BSR 0100
 * One of the top 10 records of the decade (‘80’s): Gary Giddins/Village Voice

with THE ANDREW CYRILLE QUINTET “My Friend Louis” Disk Union DIW 858

“African Love Supreme / Ode to the Living Tree” Venus Jazz TKCZ279098

“Ode to the Living Tree” Evidence ECD 22185-2

with THE BAIKIDA CARROLL QUINTET “Door of the Cage” Soul Note 121123-2

“Marionettes on a High Wire” OmniTone 12101

with THE BUTCH MORRIS ENSEMBLE “Conduction Collection – #25, 26” New World/Cross Currents 80478

with KAHIL EL’ZABAR, JOSEPH JARMAN, MALACHI FAVORS & KALAPARUSHA MAURICE McINTYRE Bright Moments -“Return of the Lost Tribe” Delmark DE-507

with THE KEVIN COOK QUINTET “Music for My Love Ones” Artistic Soundz ASE0001

ARTISTS’ RECORDINGS WHICH FEATURE STEVE COLSON’S COMPOSITIONS

"The News" - The Andrew Cyrille Quartet ECm 2021

“ Encounter” – Trio Three Passin’ Thru 41212 Oliver Lake, Reggie Workman, Andrew Cyrille

“Now’s The Time” – New York Unit King Records KICJ 108 Hannibal Marvin Peterson, Richard Davis, John Hicks, Tatsuya Nakamura

‘One with the Wind’ – Hannibal Marvin Peterson Muse MCD 5523

Awards and recognition

 * 2022 Fromm Music Foundation Commission Recipient
 * Jazz Road Creative Residencies Grant Recipient
 * 2017 Commission Here Is the Place, Our City, in honor of Newark’s 350th anniversary