Steve Hass


Steve Hass is an American drummer based in Los Angeles. While he is most identifiable with his work involving multiple Grammy winners The Manhattan Transfer, Patti Austin, Cher, John Scofield, Christian McBride as well as Ravi Coltrane. His intense drumming style and musical versatility has paired him with many artists from a wide variety of genres.

Early life and career

Steve Hass was born to Greek immigrant parents from Athens who lived in Island Park on Long Island, New York. After attending Berklee College of Music on scholarship from 1993–1996, Hass joined Ravi Coltrane's first touring group. He toured and recorded with the band from 1996 to 2002. He was also a member of Reuben Wilson's The Masters of Groove where he shared the drum chair with Bernard Purdie. During this period, Hass toured with Christian McBride, Suzanne Vega, Miri Ben-Ari, Bob Berg, and Richard Bona.
In 2003, Hass began touring and recording with multiple Grammy winners and Atlantic recording artists, The Manhattan Transfer. He is featured on three album releases and one live concert DVD. In late 2003, Hass released a solo album named Traveler. His usage of sonic layering and drum loops is reminiscent of Jon Brion.
In 2005, Hass joined John Scofield and Mavis Staples to support Scofield's Verve release That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles. The band toured around the world from 2005 until December 2007 playing R&B, soul, jazz and Latin music. Scofield also used Hass in his jazz trio, along with bassist John Benitez, for select local New York dates.
Hass' intense drumming style has been compared to that of Elvin Jones. He is listed among Drummerworld's "Top 500 Drummers".

Los Angeles

In 2007, Hass moved to Los Angeles, and set up a company called Hassbeat Productions Inc., which provides studio services and video distribution to artists. He also continues to tour with several artists. Since moving to Los Angeles, Hass has become a regular with renowned artists such as Billy Childs, Bob Sheppard, Brandon Fields and Alan Pasqua as well as maintaining his presence in the studio with contemporary rock singer/songwriters. He has participated in recording sessions for producers The Difference, Rami Yadid and Ken Wallace, and tours with R&B/Jazz Grammy winner Patti Austin, fusion/new age pianist Keiko Matsui and The Manhattan Transfer.
In 2025 Hass began touring with legendary jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon, as well as pop/rock singer/songwriter, Richard Marx. Hass also recorded with Freelon on her release Beneath The Skin.

Musical affiliations

Artists