ABOUT
Steve Millhouse is a world-renowned contrabass guitarist, recording artist, and veteran New York City bassist whose career spans global concert halls, Grammy-nominated recordings, and major Broadway pits. Known for his highly individual chordal and soloistic mastery of the 6-string contrabass guitar, Steve has transitioned from an elite sideman into a compelling bandleader, fronting two active, critically acclaimed jazz trios.
The Trios & Latest Releases
After decades of collaborating with international stars, Steve launched his flagship ensembles to showcase his unique musical vision:
The Steve Millhouse Cinema Trio: This project breathes fresh, improvisational life into historic film scores. Following their 2023 debut Valley of the Moon and their acclaimed 2024 tribute Music on the Way: The Music of Henry Mancini (which landed on Bill Milkowski’s Top 100 CDs of 2024). Both albums feature special guest Scott Wendholt on trumpet and flugelhorn with liner notes by Milkowski. The trio continues their momentum with their highly anticipated newest release, The Vinyl Session (August 2026), featuring Allen Farnham (piano), Adam Nussbaum (drums), and special guest Tim Armacost (tenor saxophone).
The Steve Millhouse Trio: Featuring Rich Perry (tenor saxophone), this ensemble delivers a mix of Steve’s intricate original compositions and reimagined standards. Following their 2023 SteepleChase Records debut, The Unwinding, the trio released their sophomore album, Looking Back to Today (March 2025), featuring liner notes by famed jazz critic Neil Tesser.
Steve splits his time performing regularly at top NYC jazz venues and touring extensively across Japan to promote his growing catalog of recorded work.
Global Tours & Collaborative Highlights
Before stepping out as a leader, Steve spent years anchoring world-class acts on the international stage:
Ute Lemper: From 2010 to 2015, Steve served as the global touring bassist for the international star. He recorded on her albums Forever: The Love Poems of Pablo Neruda (2013) and The 9 Secrets (2015), performing at iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House, SFJAZZ, and the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona.
Jeremy Stolle: He toured extensively with Jeremy Stolle and the Unreachable Stars across the United States and through 19 cities in China.
Broadway & Studio Credits
Since relocating to New York City in 2007, Steve has been a prominent fixture in the theater world, playing electric and double bass for major Broadway productions.
Broadway Orchestras: Credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the revivals of Pippin and Godspell, It Shoulda Been You, and five seasons of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
International Theater: He anchored the global tours of Dreamgirls (Shanghai, Tokyo, US) and Pippin (Tokyo), alongside orchestral work at the Daegu International Musical Festival in South Korea.
Studio Recordings: Steve’s playing is captured on multiple Grammy-nominated tracking dates, official original Broadway cast albums, national TV jingles, and a vast catalog of artist records.