Former lecturer of percussion Steve Boston deceased at the age of 82

Photo: Nippy Noya & Steve Boston in 2010 - photo Hans Speekenbrink

On September 14, Steve Boston, former lecturer of percussion at ArtEZ Jazz & Pop, died at the age of 82.

The high level of Latin percussionists in The Netherlands is in large part due to Steve Boston, originally from Surinam. He was the pioneer and Nestor of the Latin percussion scene in the Netherlands, has inspired many and was an excellent teacher. He co-founded courses for non-western music at the conservatories of Rotterdam, Hilversum and Arnhem and tutored many top-class international percussionists. Boston has played congas in jazz bands since the 1950s and has collaborated with such Dutch jazz pioneers as Max Woiski Jr. (in Ritmo Natural) and Hans Dulfer.

We will miss his flamboyant personality, his humor and his extraordinary musicality. We want to thank Steve for all the beauty he has given us. In our hearts he will always be with us.

Nippy Noya at Facebook: 'It was a privilege to have met Steve round 1969 - early 70's and be with him being my Mentor through all the years, ever since till this very moment of sorrow. Steve Boston taught me Steve told me Steve showed me Steve advised me Steve coached me Steve comforted me Steve cooked me a dinner Steve laughed with me Steve walked with me. Yes, Steve Boston walked with me all those years. AN ANGEL FLEW BY for our last goodbye. Please, have no tears. Do smile. Steve Boston has meant more than I could have been aware of...'