Steve Schneck grew up in New York with jazz and classical music in the background and a photo of Louis Armstrong in his bedroom. From the beginning, his mother wanted Steve to be a trumpet player. After learning to play the ukulele (from his Dad) and piano (from his Mom), Steve began studying trumpet at age 9 and he’s been playing the trumpet and flugelhorn for more than 50 years. Steve’s mother taught classical piano, and his father played folk guitar. His extended family, including 4 generations of mandolin players, regularly played music whenever they got together, and they still do.

Steve Schneck Quartet

Dearborn Station

Lauded as "one of the most sensitive and creative guitarists in a city filled with them" (Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune) and described as “monstrously talented” by Christopher Loudon (Jazz Times magazine), Neal Alger's musical versatility has allowed him to perform with Howard Levy (jazz), New Black Renaissance (R&B/Soul), Bossa Tres (Brazilian samba), and Blend Acoustic (classic rock/pop). Neal has toured Europe, Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Russia, and the U.S. with vocalist/pianist Patricia Barber and he is featured on her Blue Note Records releases Verse, Live: A Fortnight in France, Mythologies, The Cole Porter Mix, and Higher.

Neal Alger

Events

Past events

Jan 13, 2026

Steve Schneck Quartet · Jazz Showcase

Jul 31 - Aug 3, 2025

Neal Alger Quintet · Jazz Showcase

About

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