Adegoke Steve Colson

Adegoke Steve Colson (often credited as Steve Colson) is a bold pianist, composer, and avant-garde jazz innovator who’s been pushing creative boundaries since the 1970s. A key figure in Chicago’s AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians), Colson mixes fiery improvisation with structured compositions, blending jazz with elements of blues, gospel, and African diasporic rhythms. His recent releases like *Glow: Music for Trio... Add Voice* and *Hope for Love* showcase his dynamic trio work (often featuring heavyweights like drummer Andrew Cyrille and bassist Mark Helias), where his punchy piano lines mingle with poetic spoken word and raw, emotive textures.

Colson’s music frequently carries a socially conscious edge, as heard in tracks like *Atrocities* and *The Untarnished Dream*, which reflect his lifelong commitment to exploring themes of justice and cultural identity. Alongside his wife, vocalist Iqua Colson, he’s also a co-founder of the interdisciplinary Colson Unity Troupe, merging music with theater and activism. Whether he’s simmering in introspection or charging through free-jazz explosions, Colson’s work remains a testament to art as both personal expression and communal dialogue.

Genres

Free Jazz

Jazz

Blues

Gospel

Afrobeat

Jazz Fusion

Avant-garde Jazz

Soul Jazz

Progressive Jazz

Related Artists

Vijay Iyer

Andrew Cyrille

Robert Glasper

Terrace Martin

Kamasi Washington

Esperanza Spalding

David Murray

Anthony Braxton

Wadada Leo Smith

Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah

Ambrose Akinmusire

Oliver Lake

Latest Release

Glow: Music for Trio... Add Voice

Adegoke Steve Colson•

Iqua Colson

Album - 7 Tracks - Released August 15, 2025