Biography

“This band is unbelievably good!”
Back To The Roots Magazine

“The band swings like no other. Only the best of the best musicians can swing like this!”
Lust For Life

“The hottest Dutch Rhythm & Blues sensation ever.”
Rootsville

“Terrific band!”
Mark Hummel

“Great guys and they have a real tight sound – a tuff band!”

Charles Baty (Little Charlie & the Nightcats)

Little Steve & the Big Beat ignite the stage with their electrifying rhythm & blues, blending scorching guitar and saxophone solos with commanding vocals and an irresistible groove. Their original songs, steeped in tradition yet brimming with originality, leave audiences clapping their hands and tapping their feet. While they honor the roots of the genre, Little Steve & the Big Beat carve out a sound uniquely their own.
 
Their latest album, Circles, released in September 2024, has been met with critical acclaim:
 
“Little Steve & the Big Beat sound like the Dutch equivalent of James Hunter Six. And to be clear: that is a big compliment.” – Heaven Magazine (4 stars)
 
“It sounds so great. The rhythm ‘n’ blues of Little Steve & the Big Beat is artisanal, traditional, but still of our time. Little Steve & the Big Beat is about the best that Dutch blues currently has to offer.” – Bluestownmusic.nl
 
“Hats off for a strong album!” – BluesNews Magazine (DE)
 
The band has played stages at renowned festivals and venues across Europe, including Moulin Blues (NL), Blues Peer (BE), De Zwarte Cross (NL), Breda Jazz Festival (NL), Seven Nights to Blues (FR), Nuit Du Blues (FR), and North Sea Jazz Club (NL).
 
Founded in January 2013 in the Netherlands, Little Steve & the Big Beat quickly gained recognition. Their 2013 EP, featuring three original songs and two covers, earned high praise:
 
“Steven van der Nat and his comrades ruthlessly knock me down from the very first notes of ‘Feel So Bad.’ This band is unbelievably good!” – Back To The Roots
 
Their single, “Brand New Man,” released in December 2014, received regular airplay on Belgian national radio. In 2015, the Dutch Blues Foundation nominated the band for “Best Band,” “Best Vocalist,” and “Best Drummer” at the Dutch Blues Awards.
 
The band’s debut album, Another Man (2016), received glowing reviews and climbed to the top 3 of the most-played albums in the UK, as recognized by the Independent Blues Broadcasters Association in January 2017. Critics raved:
 
“Only the best of the best musicians can swing like this.” – Lust for Life
 
“An incredibly pleasant listening experience.” – Jazzism
 
“Roll out the ‘vintage zebra carpet’ for Little Steve & the Big Beat. Irresistible!” – Written in Music
 
“The hottest Dutch rhythm and blues sensation ever, a sublime horn section, stunning rhythm section, and this Little Steve is an excellent guitar slinger with a soulful voice too.” – Rootsville
 
In addition to their independent success, the band has shared the stage with Texan guitar virtuoso Mike Morgan.
 
Little Steve & the Big Beat’s lineup features Steven van der Nat on vocals and guitar, Martijn van Toor on tenor saxophone, Evert Hoedt on baritone saxophone, Bird Stevens on bass, and Jody van Ooijen on drums.
 
With their infectious energy, masterful musicianship, and deep respect for the blues tradition, Little Steve & the Big Beat are a driving force in rhythm & blues both in the Netherlands and beyond.