You might not recognize the name Steve Harvey at once if you’re not an avid reader of liner notes and interested in the songwriters and producers behind a tune. But if you have a closer look at records by Frank McComb, Donnie, Trina Broussard or Impromp2 than you’ll find Steve’s name all over.
Finally Steve Harvey found the time to answer a few questions for jazz-not-jazz about his influence in the renaissance of soul music and upcoming projects.

Q: You’ve worked with/wrote songs for an impressive number of artists. Especially in the nu/neo soul genre you’ve worked with what looks like a who’s who: Donnie, Frank McComb, Trina Broussard, Impromp2, Kindred, Brigette (McWillimas), Ledisi, N’Dambi etc. Are there still some artists you like to work with?

Steve Harvey: Sure, there is an enormous amount of talent out there, I am trying to link up with, Rahsaan Patterson, Anthony Hamilton, Leela James, Bilal, Amel Larrieux, and see if we can work together on my band project. Hopefully we’ll manage to connect with some of them. I also would like to work with Rachelle Ferrell, Chaka Khan and Lalah Hathaway some day.

Q: Regarding the list of artists mentioned in the first question you were/are very influential for bringing soul back to life in recent years. What do you think of your contribution and in which direction would you like to see soul music evolving?

Steve Harvey: I was lucky to come up in an era where the art of music reached a high point. Whatever genre of music you were into whether rock jazz soul blues funk. The music created in the 70’s set the bar extremely high and was the foundation for everything I bring to the table in this era. At this point in my career I am following my instincts allowing myself to create and utilize the gifts I have been given without being effected too much by whats going on in the mainstream. Hopefully I can contribute something back to the music that has enriched my life.

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