Steve LaSpina

The Reunion Band

The Reunion Band features Billy Drews on saxophone, Dave Ballou on trumpet, Marc Copland on piano, Jeff Hirshfield on drums, and Steve LaSpina on bass and composer. I highly recommend you check out the videos of our performance at William Paterson University. Hope you enjoy them!

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Spit Fire, Spout Rain

I’m thrilled to announce the release of the album, "Spit Fire, Spout Rain," performed by the extraordinary trio: Steve LaSpina on bass, James Bally on piano, and Alejandro Luna on drums.

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A Change in the Weather

Steve Laspina - Bassist and composer

Joel Frahm - Tenor and Soprano sax

Luis Perdomo - Piano

Eric McPherson - Drums

SteepleChase 2020

"LaSpina, the possessor of formidable chops, combines elements of the big-toned percussive Wilbur Ware/Charlie Haden school with complex Scott LaFaro-like lines. He uses both multi-note phrases and rests intelligently. A wonderfully subtle effort."

Harvey Pekar - Cleveland Plain Dealer

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"Dreamy lines and excellent execution make original foundations for very tasty compositions by one of New York's better-kept secrets on string bass. I first heard Steve LaSpina with leader/talent scout Marian McPartland in the laid-back confines of Manhattan's Hotel Carlyle, where he quietly knocked out those listening with exquisite intonation and note choice. On [his CD WhenI'm Alone], he exhibits fine writing skills and leadership qualities. Recommended.

Fred Bouchard - Jazz Times

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"When Children Smile is an impressively thoughtful offering from a bassist often found in the company of thoughtful musicians. As a bassist, LaSpina evokes a wonderful sound, bent to the task by a solid time concept and intonation His understanding of the instrument comes through loud and clear..."

Bill Bennett - Jazz Times

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"Giving ETC and Jerry Bergonzi album a fine counterpoise against Bergonzi's gruffer approach is LaSpina's Scott LaFaro-esque nimbleness, high register lines and interplay."

Owen Cordle - Downbeat

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"[LaSpina's CD WhenI'm Alone is] a thoughtful and invigorating set...LaSpina refuses to hog the limelight and turns in an exemplary team performance. His only apparent indulgence - to feature seven of his own tunes - turn out to be one of the session's key strengths This intelligent and inventive session is warmly recommended."

Richard Palmer - Jazz Journal International

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"Steve LaSpina is outstanding, anchoring [Benny Carter's] band in time and soloing with facility and wit."

Bell Bennett - Jazz Times

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"Then there's LaSpina's [composition]'April Nights.' For me, any title with 'night' in it automatically suggests something soft and dark. Not so here. He back lights his with the suggestions of a Brazilian rhythm. Not to simply make it a Brazilian tune, but to let us infer a certain level of night life which [Jerry Bergonzi and Fred Hersch] eagerly join in."

Paul B. Matthews - Cadence

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