AZ IZ RECORDS
Rodney Stepp
Rodney Stepp (born September 29,) is an American keyboardist, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. As a jazz, R&B/soul performer, Rodney's musical career has spanned more than 50 years and 5 continents, performing alongside Sister Sledge, Babyface, The Spinners, Ben E. King, Wayman Tisdale, Mary Wilson, Ronnie Dyson, Dionne Warwick, The Emotions, Patti LaBelle & The BlueBelles, Joe Tex and other notable artists.
The Soul-filled 70s
The Spinners
Rodney famously served as keyboardist and assistant musical director for the Spinners from 1974 – 1981 performing across the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa. Rodney can be seen in Muhammad Ali's "When We Were Kings" full-length documentary with clips of Rumble In The Jungle – the famous Ali-Foreman boxing match in Zaire, Africa where The Spinners performed with Sister Sledge, Etta James, Bill Withers, Jazz Crusaders and James Brown. Rodney also has appeared in TV Shows performing with The Spinners such as; Midnight Special, Rock Concert, Soul Train, American Bandstand, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Flip Wilson as host, Dinah Shore, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, Night Dreams with David Nelson (Ozzie & Harriet) and many more. You can also hear Rodney's keyboard wizardry on “The Spinners: Live” album recorded at the Latin Casino. Rodney may be most revered for his organ solo on The Spinners hit “Mighty Love.” He also re-joined the group in 1990 when they opened for Jay Leno at Caesars Palace, Oct. 1999 and again in 2004 at The Snake Pit Ball (Indy 500) in Indianapolis IN.
The Booming 90s
In the 90s Rodney expanded his company into the corporate music arena. Brooks Street Music became a creative production house providing music for radio jingles, TV advertisements, film, and corporate presentations. Rodney received ADDY awards in 1993 for Public Service Campaign, No Drug Zone for WTTV Channel 4, 1996 for the Hoosier Lottery, and 2004 for the Indiana State Museum Project. His corporate clients have included The Children’s Museum, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc., The Indiana Pacers, The Kentucky Lottery, The Hoosier Lottery, Hardees, Holiday Inn, ESPN, WXIN (Fox 59), Corporate Creations, Eli Lilly and Company, MZD Advertising, Bates USA, Delta Faucet, The Indianapolis Recorder and United Airlines.
The recognition for his music was coupled by recognition for his community service. Rodney was the recipient of The United States Congressional Record Award in July 2005, endorsed by Congresswoman Julia Carson, as well as receiving the Distinguished Citizens Award from the City of Indianapolis, Mayor Bart Peterson and the Distinguished Hoosier Award from the Governor of Indiana, Mitch Daniels.
Rodney’s resume includes performing as the keyboardist for a widely-popular local rock group, The Flying Toasters for 10 years. Rodney is performing with his band, “STEPPIN’ OUT BAND”, STEPP WALKER PROJECT, STACI McCRACKIN, and writing and producing various artists. Rodney has just co-written and produced a project on JOON WALKER, R&B Male Vocalist and national recording artist and is in the LAB working on his next album entitled, “SECOND CHANCE" for AZ IZ Records.
Biography//
Rodney Stepp & The Steppin' Out Band
Tour
Febuary 23, 2014
@ Take It to the Stage
Cincinnati, OH
March 23, 2014
@ Lux Lounge
Indianapolis, In
May 17, 2014
@ National Corvette Club Convention: Wyndham Hotel, The Brickyard
Indianapolis, In
June 28, 2014
@ Jazz On The Grounds:
Oasis Of Hope Baptist Church
Indianapolis, In
July 5, 2014
@ Summer Jazz Concert: The Center Point
Indianapolis, In
August 22, 2014
@ The Madam Carroll: Jazz Cruise
Moticello, In
September 7, 2014
@ Penrod Arts Festival:Indianapolis Museum of Arts -Featuring Staci McCrackin & Skypp
Indianapolis, In
September 7, 2014
@ Jazz In The Park: Cox Hall Gardens
Carmel, In
September 14, 2014
@ Jazz In The Park: Cox Hall Gardens - Featuring Staci McCrackin & Skypp
Carmel, In
September 20, 2014
@ The Columbia Club: Solo Jazz Piano w/ Rodney Stepp
Indianapolis, In
January 28, 2015
@ The Jazz Kitchen
Indianapolis, In
Discography
Steve Cooper
An Indianapolis native, Steve began studying the trumpet at the age of eight, and at ten, he was already traveling and performing in a gospel group throughout the midwest as a featured soloist. Steve continued to gain notoriety at the Elmhurst Jazz Festival where he was voted Outstanding Soloist On Any Instrument. Steve also became one of the first freshman to receive a scholarship from the world renowned Berklee College of Music, where he studied under Mike Metheny. While in Boston, Steve discovered the Electronic Valve Instrument (EVI), expanding his palette of sounds to include anything from a flute, saxes, and even entire horn sections. Steve has mastered his skills with synthesizers, MIDI, and computers, becoming a beta tester as well as a teacher and technical editor.
Anthony Damoine Bush
I play 4 different instruments,,,I write songs and produce music as well as sing,,,I have played on 5 nationally released gospel albums with Al the bishop Hobbs,,,Played behind Yolanda Adams and Lamar Campbell as well as sang on his first cd,,,Member of Dos Of Soul...A recording group that was signed to Def Jam Records and had song on Nutty Professor Soundtrack,,,Also a ghostwriter on Keith Sweats "Twisted"cd,,,Use to write for Meagan Good's older sister LaMyia Good,,,Played the Las Vegas Strip for 12yrs.
Tom Padgett
Played with lots of people in Indiana; Henry Lee Summer, Carl Storie, Brenda Williams, Cold Fusion, Jackson Street Orchestra which was the House Band at Ike & Jonesy's for 20 years. Tom is an accomplished musician who plays all genres of music, rock, R&B, jazz, funk, blues and soul.
Anthony "A.J." Jones
This 26 year old Indy native is self taught, multi-instrument musician, producer, composer and mix engineer. Anthony plays drums(21 years), bass guitar(15 years), and keyboard/piano/organ(20 years), 10 years total professionally. Anthony aka AJ has worked with bands such as The Jazz Setters, George Middleton Band, Euphony featuring Staci McCrackin, Duke Tumatoe & the Power Trio, and now the bass player with Rodney Stepp & The Steppin Out Band. Anthony has opened for national acts, Charlie Wilson, Willie Clayton, George Clinton, Trey Songz and many more.
