In 1988, Steve Million was a semifinalist in the internationally renowned Thelonious Monk Piano Competition; that same year, the Missouri native moved to Chicago and never looked back. The music of Monk continued to play an important role in his career. In the 90s he formed a two-keyboard band called Monk’s Dream with Mike Kocour and Robert Shy; in the 2000s created the humor-filled band Thelonious Moog with Joe "Guido" Welsh; and is now part of a piano duo with esteemed pianist Jeremy Kahn called Double Monk that performs the music of Monk with their arrangements and sometimes with the modern dancer Ariane Dolan. Around 2004 Million began a rewarding career teaching privately at the respected Merit School of Music, where he is now Jazz Chair, runs classes in jazz piano, jazz ensembles, and improvisation. In addition to playing his regular nightly gig at the popular downtown restaurant Catch 35. Million has recorded three CDs for Palmetto Records: Million to One (1995), Thanks A Million (1997), and Truth Is (1999) featuring such artists as trumpet great Randy Brecker, saxists Chris Potter and Dick Oatts, and legendary bassist Michael Moore. He has also released a trio album, Poetic Necessities (BluJazz, 2002), and a solo album, Remembering The Way Home (Origin, 2008).

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Steve Million Quartet

Jazz Showcase

BakerzMillion is an all-star jazz sextet in the tradition of the classic Blue Note groups of the 1960s. Featuring Andy Baker (trombone, tunes), Steve Million (piano, tunes), Eric Jacobson (trumpet), Jim Gailloreto (saxophones), Tim Davis (drums) and John Tate (bass), the band was formed in 2005 to perform new, original compositions by co-leaders Andy Baker and Steve Million.

Steve Million

Events

Upcoming events

May 11, 2026

BakerzMillion · Jazz Showcase

Past events

Mar 17, 2025

Steve Million Quartet · Jazz Showcase

About

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