Bill Anschell
Seattle native Bill Anschell returned to the Emerald City in 2002 after spending 25 years studying, composing, and performing across the country and around the world.
Anschell left Seattle after high school, studying for two years at Oberlin College (Ohio), then transferring to Wesleyan University (Connecticut), where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Music. At Wesleyan, Anschell worked closely with saxophone great Bill Barron. He also studied semi-privately with South Indian mridangum master T Ranganathan, kindling a passion for rhythmic experimentation that has driven Anschell’s music ever since.
After leading the life of a jazz vagabond for several years, Anschell settled in Atlanta in 1989. He was initially drawn there by the opportunity to serve as Jazz Coordinator for the Southern Arts Federation (SAF), the regional arts agency of the South. Firing up SAF’s jazz department virtually from scratch, Anschell launched a host of high-profile programs, published a book on grantswriting, and created JazzSouth, an internationally syndicated radio show. At night he dove headlong into the city’s thriving jazz scene, working as a sideman with various groups and leading his own trio.
By 1992, Anschell’s performing itinerary had grown to the point where it demanded his full attention. He left the SAF post, continuing to produce JazzSouth out of his home while focusing on playing and composing. Over the next ten years, Anschell ascended the jazz ranks in Atlanta, leading his trio at major festivals and becoming a first-call accompanist for visiting jazz greats. His trio’s highlights included the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, the Montreux Atlanta Festival and four extensive tours of South America.
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Profile
Album Review
- Shifting Standards by Paul Rauch
Interview
Album Review
- Rumbler by Paul Rauch
Just For Fun
Bill Anschell's Notes from the Lobby
Album Review
- Figments by C. Michael Bailey
- Figments by Dan McClenaghan
- We Couldn't Agree More by John Barron
- We Couldn't Agree More by C. Michael Bailey
March 12, 2020
Jazz Musician of the Day: Bill Anschell
December 21, 2016
New Origin Records CD By Pianist/Composer Bill Anschell, "Rumbler," Set...
December 29, 2011
Bill Anschell Will Not Be Playing Christmas Tunes This Friday
September 13, 2011
Leading Questions: Bill Anschell
April 16, 2010
Bill Anschell-Brent Jensen Duo Featured on KPLU's Jazz Northwest April...
April 08, 2010
Bill Anschell and Brent Jensen on Tour
August 30, 2009
Recent Jazz Session Podcasts: Carl Allen, Terence Blanchard, Gene...
August 20, 2009
The Jazz Session #73: Bill Anschell and Brent Jensen
August 19, 2009
Bill Anschell's Notes from the Lobby: A New Column at All About Jazz
June 15, 2009
Bill Anschell would be a badass wherever he lived, even Greenwich Village. He is an impeccable, distinctive pianist with a valuable body of work on Seattle's Origin label. Thomas Conrad, JazzTimes, April 2017.
Primary Instrument
Piano
Location
Seattle
Credentials/Background
****
Photos
Bill Anschell Concerts
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Albums
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