Jazz guitarist Steve Brien grew up in Sydney Australia. Getting involved with jazz groups in the late 70’s, he soon established himself on the scene playing with local jazz musicians such as Dale Barlow, James Morrison and Don Burrows. In 1985 Steve won an overseas study grant ( the Don Banks Memorial Fellowship)and went to New York City where he spent two years doing some part time study with guitarists Jack Wilkins and John Scofield and playing with many New York musicians.

In 1987 Steve returned to Australia and went on the road with the James Morrison Quintet, travelling extensively throughout Australasia and Europe. In 1992 Steve moved with his family to Connecticut and became established on the Connecticut jazz scene playing with many local and New York jazz musicians, such as: John Mastrioanni, Nicole Pasternak, Ralph Lalama, Ali Ryerson, Giacomo Gates and Joyce Di Camillo.

In 1998 Steve was offered a position on the jazz faculty of the NSW Conservatorium of Music and so moved back to Sydney to take the job.In 2005 Steve received a masters degree in Jazz Performance and in 2023, celebrated 25 years in the Jazz Guitar Chair at NSW Conservatorium of music. Through the 2000’s, as well as teaching, Steve kept a busy gig schedule with players and entertainers such as: Dale Barlow, Tom Burlinson, The Sydney Jazz Trio, Errol Buddle, Col Nolan, Di Bird, Dorian Mode, as well as international touring acts: bebop vocalist Giacomo Gates, Vocalist Bruce Brown,Jazz organ player Tony Monaco and US Tenor player Eric Alexander.

In 2020, as the world wide pandemic shut down venues everywhere , Steve and his wife decided to make their shack in Tasmania their permanent home. During the lockdown, Steve has spent the time working on his vocal skills and repertoire so his work can be more flexible. He still teaches for NSW Conservatorium as a FIFO and works gigs across Australia.

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Discography: https://www.discogs.com/artist/931748-Steve-Brien