Steve Turre - 'SNL' Trombonist

Published on June 19, 2013
For almost 30 years, Sac State alumnus Steve Turre has been playing trombone with the "Saturday Night Live" band on NBC, as well as carving out a unique place in jazz music. He returned to his college home for a visit and performance with our student Jazz Ensembles on Wednesday, April 17, in the Music Recital Hall.

"He's one of the more prominent trombone jazz artists of our time," says Professor Steve Roach, director of the Jazz Ensembles. "To have him come back to Sac State, where he began his musical career, is really thrilling."

Turre grew up in the Bay Area, where he was exposed to mariachi, blues and jazz. He was at Sac State from 1966 to 1968, when he also joined the Escovedo Brothers salsa band. Professional tours included time with Ray Charles and Art Blakey, and performances with J.J. Johnson, Herbie Hancock and many other jazz luminaries. He joined the "Saturday Night Live" band in 1984, and he continues to lead several ensembles, record CDs and teach.