Steph Otis began playing guitar at the age of 12.  Over the course of his career he studied under Mel Bay, David Mortland, Johnny Smith and Paul Riley. As an understudy for David Mortland, Steph played on commercial recordings for Anheuser Busch, as well as other local and national companies.

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During the heyday of Gaslight Square, Steph played in various combos at venues such as Franks, The Left Bank and The Exit to name a few. He has also taught jazz guitar for years which is how he met Keith Deisner.

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For the past 24 years Steph and Keith have performed under the name L5, a favorite Gibson model jazz guitar. What once began as lessons emerged into a friendship and musical partnership that continues today.

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From the life altering sounds of a C Minor 9th chord to the mesmerizing sense of space captured by jazz pianist Bill Evans, Steph and Keith chase the straightahead sound via Tom Bills archtop guitars.