Steven Vibert Pouchie was raised in New York City and attended and graduated from Manhattan’s Stuyvesant High School. He was awarded a full scholarship to Bard College, upstate New York. There he met Roswell Rudd, a Jazz trombonist, who encouraged him to pursue music and become a vibraphonist. After graduating with a Bachelors degree in Economics and an Associate degree in Music, he worked briefly in corporate sales before becoming a NYC Music teacher at Walton High School in 1993. Steve received the prestigious New York Post Liberty Medal from Gracie Mansion in 2004 for his innovative and outstanding work as an educator. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented Steve with his meda. He said that these men and women had made significant contributions to their communities through time, talent, and wisdom. Steve continued his musical development by performing at restaurants, nightclubs, political events, and outdoor concerts. Many well-known musicians have played with him, including Tito Puente and Charlie Palmieri, Dave Valentin, Bobby Sanabria, Bobby Sanabria, and Jimmy Sabater. Steve’s first CD, “Vibe Mania”, was released in 2002. It featured latin vibes favorites such as “Philadelphia Mambo”, Alonzo”, and “Para Ti”, among others. Steve’s second CD, “El Puente”, (The Bridge), was released in 2010. It has been praised as a definitive musical work for vibraphone. It features both classic compositions and new material. It also reflected Steve’s development as a leader and musician, composer, arranger, producer, and arranger. Steve’s playing style is reminiscent of Tito Puente and Cal Tjader on vibes. This makes it exciting to listen to and watch. Steve’s latest CD, “North by Northeast”, was released in January 2015. It features up-tempo Latin Jazz arrangements and compositions. The album also features Grammy nominee Wilson “Chembo”, Corniel (congas and percussion). It has already been praised by critics as a new standard for Vibes musicians in both Jazz and Latin Jazz. “North by Northeast is a sophisticated album that’s full of romantic allusions to literature and films. It is full of mystery and magic, which makes it seem like Alfred Hitchcock. — Raul da Gama Latin Jazz Network from www.stevepouchiemusic.com
