While starting his musical career in Kansas City, Steve is now an integral part of the jazz community in New York. Performing and recording with such groups as the Paul Motian Electric Bebop Band, Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra and Joey Baron's quartet "Killer Joey" to mention a few, he also leads his own trio performing at a number of venues around New York City. Mr. Cardenas has also toured Europe extensively, performing at various festivals including the North Sea and Montreux jazz festivals on numerous occasions. He has two recordings as a leader as well as extensive sideman appearances. In collaboration with editor Don Sickler, Mr. Cardenas completed work on a book of Thelonious Monk's compositions through Hal Leonard Publishing. The Thelonious Monk Fakebook marks the premier publishing of all of Monk's compositions together, with many of them appearing for the first time.