Artist description An acoustic jazz quartet, performing originalmusic composed by pianist and leader JohannesWallmann. Rooted in the jazz tradition ofColtrane, Mingus, and Ellington, the quartet hasa modern sound that represents a convergence ofthe diverse influences of its members.

Music Style jazz

Musical Influences Dave Holland, Richie Beirach, Dmitri Shostakovich, Charles Mingus, Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane, Eric Satie, Duke Ellington, John Abercrombie

Similar Artists Michael Brecker, Kenny Wheeler, Don Grolnick, Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano

Artist History Johannes Wallmann is a 25-year old Canadian jazz pianist who has been leading this New York-based quartet since 1995. Trained at Berklee College of Music, Boston (B.M.) and New York University (M.A.), Johannes performs frequently in New York and throughout North America with various groups, including the Dennis Mitcheltree Quartet, the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble, the American Music Group, and many other jazz artists. Recordings include two with his quartet, as well as albums with Bryan Steele, Peter Cole, Dennis Mitcheltree,and canto-pop superstar Faye Wong. He is also a recipient of a major Canada Council Artist grant, and teaches jazz piano and ensembles at New York University, and Greenwich House Music School.

Group Members Johannes Wallmann, piano; Seamus Blake, tenor sax; Martin Wind, bass; Jeff Hirshfield, drums

Instruments piano, tenor sax, bass, drums

Albums "As I Think Of You" (2000), "Quartet" (1997)

Press Reviews "Munster's native pianist Johannes Wallmann belongs to the very small group of European musicians who can make a living just playing music in the world capital of jazz, New York City. Wallmann, only 23, already teaches jazz piano at New York University and Purchase College, NY. On the self-titled debut album the pianist sounds indeed like a seasoned professional of his instrument. Wallmann impresses with thoughtful solo lines and interesting, harmonically multifaceted accompaniments, and leaves plenty of space for his sidemen. The band leader provides several surprising and exciting turns: every time, in fact, that he reacts to the musical interjections of his band with relaxed charm, followed by flowing sixteenth-note runs, marking the climax of a improvising unit with virtuosity. This Wallmann-album is a colorful and engaging recording with competent musicians, who are sure to appear on other equally successful jazz-CD's in the future." Gregor Hilden, Westfaelische Nachrichten, Germany. "Wallmann's adroit bundling of such diverse influences as the lyrical Bill Evans and quixotic Thelonious Monk provided a galvanizing foil for Mitcheltree's own adventurous peregrinations. [...] Wallmann pulverized the keys with a furioso attack a la McCoy Tyner." Chuck Berg, Topeka Capitol-Journal. "Cloaking his music in dense colors, Wallmann and his quartet perform an album that skirts the edge of free expression but, while being diverse and exploratory, never breaks cleanly away from the inside. He has included three original compositions, the first of which is the opening number that provides the soil for most of the innovative elements to germinate. He delves into the tune with a vigorous attack, and the group follows suit. More conventional playing originates with the following standard "Bye Bye Blackbird," and continues through most of the following selections. The dual apporach allowed an alternate side of this young pianist to emerge after the initial impression was made." Frank Rubolino, Cadence Magazine.

Location New York, NY - USA

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