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Isamu McGregor

Los Angeles-based pianist/keyboardist Isamu McGregor's versatility has helped him to become an extremely in-demand musician and musical director around the globe. Described as a "pianist for the new generation" and a "jazz pianist and keyboard player of the first order", Isamu maintains a busy touring schedule while continuing to compose and perform his own music.

Over the years, he has had the good fortune to perform with a "dizzying variety of collaborators" across a multitude of genres, including Richard Bona (keyboards 2015-2018), Colbie Caillat (keyboards/bandleader 2015-present), Natalia Lafourcade, Tortured Soul, Patti Austin, GZA (Wu-Tang Clan), Bennie Maupin, Sadao Watanabe, Wayne Krantz, Virgil Donati (keyboards 2014-2017) and many more. He has toured extensively since 2014, having performed in over 30 countries.

As a bandleader, McGregor has released two albums - Resonance (2017) and Live at the Baked Potato (2012) - that have both received a warm global reception from critics. Bass clarinetist Bennie Maupin and saxophonist Seamus Blake make guest appearances on Resonance, along with the core quartet that McGregor has recorded with on both albums: Evan Marien (bass), Gene Coye (drums) and Deen Anbar (guitar).

McGregor is proud to to be an artist endorser for Nord Keyboards, Mono Cases and Mogami Cables.

Gear

Nord, Nord, Nord.


Tags

25
Album Review

Isamu McGregor: Resonance

Read "Resonance" reviewed by Karl Ackermann


It has been five years since the release of pianist Isamu McGregor's debut Live at the Baked Potato! (Amorphous Paraphernalia Records, 2012) and his Resonance turns out to be well worth the wait. While the first album was solidly entrenched in the fusion arena, the current outing is a genre defying and eclectic collection with an emphasis on acoustics. McGregor, still in his twenties, has worked with some top talent including Chris Potter, pianist Jean-Michel Pilc and Stefon Harris. The ...

2
Album Review

Isamu McGregor: Resonance

Read "Resonance" reviewed by Troy Dostert


On this album, his second as a leader since 2012's Live at the Baked Potato, pianist/keyboardist Isamu McGregor continues to hone his approach to crafting intelligent, challenging jazz fusion. With bassist Evan Marien and drummer Gene Coye once again at his side, he's got the right partners for navigating his maze-like compositions, and guest spots by tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, bass clarinetist Bennie Maupin and guitarist Deen Anbar also enhance the scope and stylistic diversity of the record.

4
Album Review

Isamu McGregor: Isamu McGregor: Live at the Baked Potato!

Read "Isamu McGregor: Live at the Baked Potato!" reviewed by Ian Patterson


Keyboardist Isamu McGregor has fairly raced out of the blocks, playing or recording with guitarist Wayne Krantz, saxophonist Chris Potter, drummer Ari Hoenig, bassist James Genus, pianist Jean- Michel Pilc, vibraphonist Stefon Harris and vocalist Jimmy Scott--to name but a few--while still just 22 years old. His debut as leader sees him lead his energetic quartet through territory that runs from funk to jam-band workout and from rock to jazz-fusion. All-original compositions bar one, the tracks vary between nine and ...

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"Resonance"

BEST OF 2017: Best Jazz2K Releases: "A sizzling date that includes cameos by reed wizards (and, not surprisingly, former employers) Seamus Blake and Bennie Maupin...expertly mixing electric and acoustic elements on pieces that never fail to surprise in their direction and intensity." Nippertown

BEST MUSIC OF 2017: The Critics' Picks: "[This] versatile keyboardist expands the sound of his jazz on this creative, kaleidoscopic album." Local Spins

"It has been five years since the release of pianist Isamu McGregor's debut, and his 'Resonance' turns out to be well worth the wait...a genre defying and eclectic collection...a major step forward in terms of McGregor's compositional development and an intriguing listen." All About Jazz

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Primary Instrument

Piano

Location

Los Angeles

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Straight Ahead To The...

Dash Hoffman Records
2019

buy

Resonance

Ghost Note
2017

buy

Isamu McGregor: Live...

Amorphous Paraphernalia Records
2012

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Videos

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