About Jon

Jon Steele is a highly skilled and versatile bass player newly based in St. Louis, Missouri, by way of Washington, D.C.

He grew up all over the southeast (Georgia, Florida, Tennessee) self-taught on the bass from age 10 then attended the University of Tennessee to study music and take lessons with Donald Brown.

Just months ago, he could be heard with some of the heaviest musicians on the DC jazz scene. His collaborations with such musicians were recorded and released in 2022/2023. One of these original compositions, Sun Shade went on to win a DC area award (WAMMIE) for Best Jazz Composition.

Jazz isn’t the only genre that Jon has been involved in. A lot of world-music artist count on his groove and feel for West African, Caribbean, and Samba music. His love of R&B, pop, and dance music has kept him on the roster of many agencies. He also has some serious bow chops, cultivated through years of symphonic and chamber work. He’s toured the U.S. with big bands and jam bands, now with a Talking Heads cover band.

Jon has taught at several colleges and universities over the years, teaching classes, private lessons, and directing bands. He loves to share what he has learned with others who are into music.

Jon is looking forward to a new chapter in the Midwest. St. Louis, along with Kansas City and Chicago are some of the most significant cities in music history.

Let’s see how he fits in.