Stephen J. Gleason is a New York City-born musician, artist, and educator. With heavy roots in both jazz and popular music – a unique career of performing, composing, producing, and teaching music has been curated. For over fifteen years he has been a highly sought-after guitarist, vocalist, and conductor, performing for major network television, corporate, and political affairs including Rachael Ray, The Food Network, and The Presidential Inaugural Ball. As a studio musician, he has been featured on many recordings, including the likes of Carly Simon, and appeared as a sideman on various recording label sessions.
Joining GRAMMY® award-winners, Chrisette Michelle, Jon Bellion and jazz harp virtuoso, Edmar Castañeda, Stephen is a Five Towns College alumni, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Master’s degree in Arranging. As an award-winning ensemble director, his original vocal arrangements are heralded as a “modern and vibrant interpretation of classic jazz and the Great American Songbook”, garnering attention from the likes of Manhattan Transfer and Phil Mattson from the renowned A cappella quartet
Singers Unlimited.
Following his commitment to academia and global education, he has been a guest lecturer and teacher for the Teach and Tour Sojourners organization in Uganda, East Africa. As a columnist and artist, Stephen has been featured in such publications as Hot House, In Tune Monthly, Jazz Inside, and Music Connection.
At the start of 2018, Stephen directed the contemporary a cappella ensemble at the Frost School of Music, University of Miami, as well as supporting Quintet’s CASA nominated debut record: Quintet: Volume 1.
Photo: Erica Tamburro
