Steve Houghton

Internationally respected as a jazz drummer, percussionist, clinician and educator.  Steve Houghton has shared both stage and studio with renowed jazz and pop artists, including Joe Henderson, Barbara Streisand, Arturo Sandoval, Gary Burton, Billy Childs, Scott Henderson, and Bob Florence.  A Wisconsin native, Houghton received his first acclaim at age 20 as a drummer with Woody Herman's Young Thundering Herd; he was chosen for The Herd while a member of the One O' Clock Lab Band at the University of North Texas.  After two years with The Herd, Houghton polished his reading skills in Dallas studios for four years, then moved to California, where he quickly established himself throughh his tenure with Toshiko Akiyoshi.  In 1980, a last minute call to substitute for Freddie Hubbard's drummer evolved into a two-year association.  By the mid-80's, Houghton, a busy Los Angeles studio musician was writing, teaching at area universities, and performing with symphony orchestras as a featured guest percussionist, activities he continues to pursue.

Houghton's recent recordings (as a leader) include Steve Houghton (Signature - Mesa Bluemoon) and Windsong (Warner/Belwin), and he may also be heard on The Music of Pat Methany and Lyle Mays with Bob Curnow's LA Big Band (MAMA Foundation).  Houghton also is the author of more than 20 composite educational publications, including The Contemporary Rhythm Section (text and video series), Essential Styles (play-along series) and his most recent sollection, Master Tracks (play-along improvisation series). 

A guest lecturer at the University of Southern California, Houghton is a member of the Percussive Arts Society board of directors and co-chairman of the International Association of Jazz Educators drum commitee.  He endorses Pearl, Zildjian, Calato, Remo, LP (Latin Percussion) and Innovative Percussion products.