Justin Kauflin
Justin Kauflin is an award-winning American jazz pianist, composer, producer, educator and Quincy Jones Artist. He performs worldwide, has recorded on 31 albums, composed the film score for the critically acclaimed documentary Keep On Keepin On, published 51 original compositions, produced 4 albums as leader and is on faculty for several jazz camps.
Born March 10, 1986 in Silver Spring, MD, Justin began music at age 4 with Suzuki violin. After a decade of classical violin and piano, he switched to jazz piano in high school at the Governor's School for Performing Arts (VA) studying with Liz Barnes and Old Dominion University's John Toomey. He attended the Vail Jazz Workshop (CO), Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead Residency (DC) and received top honors in jazz festivals across the U.S. He began performing jazz professionally at age 15, most notably with the Jae Sinnett Trio.
In 2004, Justin attended William Paterson University (NJ) where he was taken under the wings of legendary trumpeter, Clark Terry and became a member of the Clark Terry Ensemble. He also had the privilege of learning from his heroes, Mulgrew Miller and Harold Mabern. He graduated summa cum laude, moved to NYC and at age 23 produced, led, composed and performed on his debut CD, Introducing Justin Kauflin.
In 2012, he served as House Pianist at Havana Nights Jazz Club (VA) where his trio headlined regularly
Tags
Album Review
- Crossing the Water by Nicholas F. Mondello
- Synesthesia by Chris Mosey
- Dedication by Angelo Leonardi
Interview
Album Review
- Introducing Justin Kauflin by Dan Bilawsky
Take Five With...
Read more articlesSeptember 14, 2011
Justin Kauflin: Blind VA Beach Pianist Jazzed to Be Competing in DC
August 19, 2011
Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz Selects 12 Semifinalists
March 06, 2011
Pianist Justin Kauflin Interviewed at All About Jazz
December 01, 2010
Announcing the Winners of the "Justin Kauflin - Introducing Justin...
October 29, 2010
Enter the "Justin Kauflin - Introducing Justin Kauflin" Giveaway Contest
May 09, 2010
Justin Kauflin's Transcendent Vision
March 31, 2010
CD Review: "Introducing Justin Kauflin"
March 24, 2010
Richmond VA News - Review of "Introducing Justin Kauflin" CD
March 24, 2010
Virginian Pilot Review of "Introducing Justin Kauflin"
February 06, 2010
His compositions radiate an honesty and passion that are only shadowed by his spirit...Humble as he may be, dude can play - Paul Nassar, Revive Magazine
His playing is not just precise technically but absolutely crystalline in execution, and he holds nothing back intellectually... -Jazz in Europe review of Synesthesia
Definitely one of the best piano trio albums around this year...Revelling in writing highly involving tunes whether anthemic (B-Dub) or tuggingly heartfelt (No Matter)...or the ability to be SO natural on For Clark, dedicated to mentor Clark Terry. -Stephen Graham, Marlbank
...rich in dynamic detail and showed off his cogent mix influences that ranged from buoyant swing to elongated Jarrett-esque lines, the odd hip hop nod to Robert Glasper, Bill Evans was in there too...Kauflin is clearly in possession of a vast reserve of free flowing musicianship -Jazzwise
Kauflin's dozen originals sparkle consistently with the sounds of exhilaration and religious devotion

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