ABOUT

 Steven L. Jones

You’re not in the presence of Steven L. Jones long before you become quickly acquainted with what he is most passionate, his faith, and passion for gospel music evident in his earned roles as a musician and artist. Steven has served the Wichita community for the past 40 plus years. During that time, he has become quite skilled as a much sought out musician, choir director, songwriter, and producer.

Steven’s passion for music began at an early age as he began playing the trumpet at age seven and the organ at age 12. His musical influences include both R&B, Jazz and Gospel music artists such as Billy Preston, Jimmy Smith, Edwin Hawkins, Andre Crouch and Parliament-Funkadelic to name a few. Steven’s faith is the primary reason he chose to passionately pursue the genre of gospel music many years ago. In his words, “Everything I musically know somehow relates back to God and my wonderful experiences in the local church.”

It is this guiding mission that has led to Steven serving in over 5 churches in the Wichita community along with countless community choirs and organizations. As a result, Steven has mentored an entire generation of aspiring musicians and artists. Steven was born in Topeka, Kansas, his family relocated to Denver, Co where he attended Denver public schools and later attended the University of Northern Colorado. Prior to relocating to Wichita, KS, Steven was very active in the music scene in Denver, Co.

Long before it was the “in” thing to produce an independent music project, Steven stepped out years ago and produced 2 solo instrumental projects entitled “What A Friend” and “Songs I Play In Church.” He traveled during this time to Zimbabwe and performed some of the music from these projects.

In the highly anticipated release of his solo project entitled “The Beatitudes Gospel Project”, Steven was inspired by a conversation he had with his father. Not too long ago, Steve’s father asked if there was a gospel music interpretation of the 8 Beatitudes found in the biblical book of Matthew 5: 3-12. To Steve’s knowledge, this kind of project did not exist, and it was all the inspiration he needed, sparking in him a strong desire to set to music this inspired passage of scripture.

The context of The Beatitudes exemplifies “the attitudes” in the kingdom of God. In this passage in the book of Matthew, Christ admonishes his followers then and now. The stand-out tracks are "Blessed Are They That Mourn For They Shall Be Comforted" - this soulful, inspired mid-tempo is a hopeful, comforting affirmation to those who mourn. "Blessed Are They That Hunger & Thirst After Righteousness For They Shall be Filled" is an upbeat, rousing, robust music offering emblematic of the gospel choir sounds of the 1980’s and 1990’s. This sure-to-be-favorite tune is accented with the outstanding vocal lead by Alvin Mason. "Blessed Are The Merciful" led by vocal soprano sensation Leigh Dan-Drew is a soul-stirring, uplifting message of encouragement.

When Steven was asked what he hoped to accomplish with this release, he relayed: “Scoring portions of scripture to melody is nothing new, but the beatitudes is a well-known passage it is my hope that the Beatitudes Gospel Project promotes the study of the teachings of Jesus, fosters a deeper love & appreciation towards the genre of gospel music as well as become a source of encouragement for all who listen.”

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