Thankfully the Five Points sound is still alive today, and the main keeper of the flame is pianist Purnell Steen and his group. Now in his early seventies, Steen is a consummate performer who has a legion of devoted fans in his native Denver. Steen is also part of a musical dynasty, with relatives including vocalist Dianne Reeves, pianist George Duke, saxophonist Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, and bassist Charlie Burrell. Imagine Count Basie’s swing combined with Duke Ellington’s “Love you madly” charm, topped off with a healthy dollop of Wild West spirit, and that’s Purnell Steen and his musicians.

Purnell Steen – keys
Ron Bland – bass
Ed Stephen – guitar
Vohn Regensburger – Brazilian guitar