Born: December 10, 1982 Primary Instrument: Piano
Pianist, keyboardist, composer and vocalist Josh Rawlings is a breath of fresh air on the Seattle music scene. He has been compared to a young Herbie Hancock based on his passionate playing in numerous Funk, Soul, R&B, Pop, and award-winning Jazz groups.
Josh is forging new musical directions as he blends improvisation with traditional jazz and energizing percussive keyboarding that connects and uplifts his listeners. “It’s about the experience and finding that unifying element with the people around you,” Josh explains, “We are re-tying our roots to the healing, connective and celebratory nature of music – this is why we became musicians in the first place.”
With a growing portfolio of feature performances, Josh and his groups have played Seattle’s Benaroya Hall, Triple Door, Jazz Alley and the Earshot & Bellevue Jazz Festivals. His group, The Teaching was awarded Earshot’s 2009 NW Acoustic Jazz Group of the Year and they were also awarded Band of The Year at the 2010 Inside Out Jazz Awards.
A captivating performer with warmth and a joyful intention on stage, Josh and his fellow musicians seek to positively transform people’s lives and beliefs about what makes music entertaining. He says, “It’s just a joyful experience to be alive isn’t it!? Now is the time to make music engaging, uplifting and most of all fun!”
Awards:
- Recorded with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on ‘The Heist’ (#1 best selling iTunes album in Oct. 2012 and #2 on the Billboard Chart - Received 2010 Inside/Out Jazz Award for Band of the Year - Received 2009 Earshot Gold Ear for NW Acoustic Group from the Internationally known Earshot Jazz Organization“(The Josh Rawlings Trio) is especially fun, with lots of dissonant harmonies and dramatic hesitations over propulsive drumming…all the entertainment you need.” - Rachel Dovey (Seattle Sound)
“There are moments where you sound like you're channeling Brad Mehldau (not a bad thing!).” - Randy Halberstadt (Jazz Pianist)
“Josh Rawlings’ sparkling, luscious chords (affectionately dubbed “kraws” by those in the community familiar with the man) are the trademark sounds for the group The Teaching. [The Teachings’ Music is] Effortlessly enjoyable, but not wanting for intelligence.” - Peter Walton (Earshot Jazz)
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Primary Instrument:
Piano
Location:
Shoreline, WA
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
I specialize in Piano, beginning Guitar & Voice, Drums & Percussion & Music Recording & Songwriting. Whereever you are with your music (any level / any age), if you’re ready to take the plunge — Let’s find your musical voice and have some fun making music!
