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Konrad Paszkudzki (born September 13, 1988) is a Polish-Australian jazz pianist currently residing in New York. In addition to leading his own trio, he is a member of the John Pizzarelli Quartet, actively recording, touring, and performing with this outfit. A Yamaha Artist [1] since 2014, he is primarily known for his swinging, melodic, and often sparse approach to tunes from the Great American Song Book.
Biography
[edit]Born in Western Australia to immigrant parents who had fled the communist regime in Poland, Konrad’s musical affinity revealed itself early on. Finishing his bachelor’s degree of music at the tender age of 18, the precocious instrumentalist swiftly established a reputation as a leading jazzman in Australia, soon becoming the first pianist to win the James Morrison Scholarship [2] Relocating to the United States in 2009, he received his master’s degree in 2011 from the University of Miami. Upon graduation he spent a year in Los Angeles, a stint that saw him working with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and the Jeff Hamilton Trio. Offered a position to lead the house trio at the coveted Broadway venue 54 Below[3], Konrad returned to the East Coast in 2012 to commence work in New York. After a yearlong residency and two trio recordings [4], he joined the John Pizzarelli Quartet in November of 2013. Recordings of the group include “John Pizzarelli Salutes Johnny Mercer” [5] and “Midnight McCartney,”[6] the latter of which was instigated and funded by Sir Paul McCartney himself.
The Trio
[edit]The Konrad Paszkudzki Trio was established in New York, making its debut as the resident house trio of 54 Below [7]. Exclusively playing standards culled from the Great American Song Book [8], their sound is one of brilliant distinction and sophistication, with an emphasis on melodic elegance and swinging verve. After the 54 Below engagement, the trio could be seen and heard at the Jacob Burns Film Center’s “Jazz Sessions,” through live broadcasts on WBGO from Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola [9], as well as in appearances with Bucky Pizzarelli and Wynton Marsalis in New York City.
Style and Influences
[edit]- Wynton Marsalis: “He has a pearly touch, a sense of history, a sense of drama, a love of the blues, and an elegance which is borne of high minded dedication.”[10]
- The Jazz & Blues Florida Magazine: “[He] exhibits the blues foundation of Erroll Garner, the touch of Ahmad Jamal and the fleet fingers of Oscar Peterson (…)” [11]
- All About Jazz: “Paszkudzki, who’s from Australia, in particular seems like a real find, soloing frequently with an appealing combination of melodic economy and supple technique.”
- Christopher Loudon of JazzTimes calls him a “rising-star pianist” [12]
- James Morrison: “Konrad is Jazz”
- The StarPhoenix: “Konrad Paszkudzki on piano – a genius whiz kid from Perth who enrolled in university to study jazz when he was 15. The fluidity of his playing highlighted one jaw-dropping solo after another.” [13]
- Rex Reed of the Observer designates him an “ace pianist” [14]
- Phil Schaap: “Reverence for the Oscar Peterson Trio comes shining through”
References
[edit]- ^ Jazz Pianos, Yamaha Artists.
- ^ "Results", Generations in Jazz.
- ^ "Sizzle", 54 Below - Broadway's Supper Club.
- ^ "No Strings", The Konrad Paszkudzki Trio.
- ^ "Salutes Johnny Mercer (Live)", John Pizzarelli, iTunes.
- ^ "Midnight McCartney", John Pizzarelli, Concord Music Group.
- ^ "I Don't Need Anything But You", Live at 54 Below.
- ^ "The Konrad Paszkudzki Trio", Konrad Paszkudzki.
- ^ "I Want To Be Happy", Live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola.
- ^ "Album Notes", CD Baby Music Store.
- ^ "Spotlight", Jazz & Blues Florida.
- ^ "Jazz Reviews", Jazz Articles by Christopher Loudon.
- ^ "Pizzarelli show an all-time classic", The StarPhoenix.
- ^ "Pizzarelli and Molaskey Bring a Heightened Sense of Maturity to the Café Carlyle", Observer.