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Misha Piatigorsky

Misha Piatigorsky, winner of the 2004 BMI Thelonious Monk Composers Competition, is one of the most innovative pianists on the music scene today. His unique marriage of powerful melodies with intensely driving rhythms makes his sound a fresh voice that excites the heart and mind. Misha has produced many records both for himself and other musicians featuring his compositions and arrangements. He is the pianist and musical director for singing legend Mark Murphy, and can be found performing with him in New York clubs such as Birdland, Iridium, and Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club, as well as internationally. Misha’s notable releases include the debut CD for Trio Del Sol, with guitarist Freddie Bryant and percussionist Gilad on Twinz Records, where the “piano and guitar create and exchange melodies like an intricate dance” (Bill Milkowski), and AYA, featuring his compositions. Misha’s new trio with bassist Hans Glawischnig and drummer Ari Hoenig is a fusion of urban grooves with his non-traditional jazz compositions, breaking down the boundaries between classical melodicism and popular rhythms. Their first record, Uncommon Circumstance, is being released in early 2007 to great accolades. Born in Moscow, Misha began his musical education at a very young age. After his immigration to the United States in 1981, Misha became an accomplished Jazz pianist, drummer, and composer. He earned his Bachelors Degree under pianist Kenny Barron, and his Masters Degree at Manhattan School of Music, having been awarded a full scholarship.

Misha currently resides in New York with his wife and two children, where he is a sought-after producer and performer. He continues composing for films, small ensembles, and vocalists, and can be heard on the movie soundtracks of Chaos Theory, Pretty Persuasion, RX, and Danika.

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Album Review

Misha Piatigorsky: Stained Glass & Technicolor Grooves

Read "Stained Glass & Technicolor Grooves" reviewed by Chris Mosey


When the story of the Jewish immigrant influence on American jazz comes to be told, after the Trump era with its narrow perspectives has passed, the name Misha Piatigorsky will be writ large in the telling. He is one of the most sought-after pianists on the New York scene, his music busy and cosmopolitan, reflecting his experiences as a Russian-Jewish émigré coming of age in urban America. Winner of the 2004 Thelonious Monk Composers ...

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Album Review

Misha Piatigorsky: Paris Troika

Read "Paris Troika" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


Popular music and jazz have always been connected but, over the years, a bit of a divide has developed. A large portion of songs lumped under the Great American Songbook heading were the popular music of their day. As folk and rock began to eclipse jazz in the public eye, some people refused to get on board while others happily tried these tunes with mixed results, and critical responses ranging from praise to scorn. Paul Desmond tried on Simon and ...

270
Album Review

Misha Piatigorsky: 17 Rooms

Read "17 Rooms" reviewed by Marcia Hillman


A clue to pianist Misha Piatigorsky's 17 Rooms is the title of its opening track, “Open Window"--a window that lets in a breath of fresh air. Joined by bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Ari Hoenig, Piatigorsky offers a mixture of bebop, gospel and classically-based styles that shows off his pianistic and composing abilities. The material is all original with the exception of three selections. As a composer, Piatigorsky is melodic and innovative. He displays a healthy respect ...

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Interview

Misha Piatigorsky: Invent Your Own Bicycle

Read "Misha Piatigorsky: Invent Your Own Bicycle" reviewed by Jason Crane


Russian-born pianist Misha Piatigorsky fled from behind the Cold-War-era Iron Curtain with his family to make a new life in a small New Jersey town. He started out as a classical pianist before discovering jazz. Since that discovery, he's moved from bebop to Brazilian to groove music, melding them all seamlessly on his record, Uncommon Circumstance (Misha Music, 2007). Jason Crane, AAJ contributor and host of The Jazz Session, spoke with Piatigorsky in April 2007.

All About Jazz: ...

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Album Review

Misha Piatigorsky: Aya

Read "Aya" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone


Pianist/composer Misha Piatigorsky's debut, Uncommon Circumstances (Misha Music, 2007), was an enjoyable effort, with the exception of his overuse of electronic keyboards. Aya represents a new direction, with mixed results.

Piatigorsky cites, in his notes, that as a busy and in-demand musician he is involved in a number of projects and wants to provide an album representative of his diverse interests and musicians. His aim is to emulate Quincy Jones's style of employing various genres and moods.

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The Jazz Session

Misha Piatigorsky: From Russia With Love

Read "Misha Piatigorsky: From Russia With Love" reviewed by Jason Crane


On the new episode of The Jazz Session, Jason Crane interviews pianist Misha Piatigorsky. Misha fled with his family from Russia during the height of the Cold War and ended up in New Jersey. A classically trained pianist, he discovered jazz and fell in love with the music, ending up at Rutgers studying with Kenny Barron. He won the 2004 Thelonious Monk Composers Competition. He's also the pianist and musical director for singing legend Mark Murphy. Misha's new trio with ...

182
Album Review

Misha Piatigorsky: AYA

Read "AYA" reviewed by Mark F. Turner


Pianist Misha Piatigorsky absorbs his heritage, environment, and experiences, to deliver the very hip and accessible AYA. Born in Moscow, the active New York musician is also a producer and composer (winner of the 2004 Thelonious Monk Composers Competition). This recording is his second to be released in 2007 and is a slight departure from his well received, self produced trio effort Uncommon Circumstances. While the trio recording revealed strong compositions, the new recording seems more open ...

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Performance / Tour

Misha Piatigorsky Trio to Perform at Smoke - NYC

Misha Piatigorsky Trio to Perform at Smoke - NYC

Source: Two for the Show Media

Pianist, Composer, & Bandleader Misha Piatigorsky will be performing with his Trio at SMOKE Jazz Club in NYC on Thursday January 8th, 2009. Sets at 8:00, 10:00, & 11:30 PM “Misha Piatigorsky is perhaps the most gifted of all the great pianists I've had accompany me over the years." - Mark Murphy The Misha Piatigorsky Trio Misha Piatigorsky – Piano Boris Kozlov –Bass Ari Hoenig - Drums Misha Piatigorsky bio: Misha Piatigorsky, winner of ...

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Interview

Pianist Misha Piatigorsky Interviewed at AAJ

Pianist Misha Piatigorsky Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz

Russian-born pianist Misha Piatigorsky fled from behind the Cold-War-era Iron Curtain with his family to make a new life in a small New Jersey town. He started out as a classical pianist before discovering jazz. Since that discovery, he's moved from bebop to Brazilian to groove music, melding them all seamlessly on his record, Uncommon Circumstance (Misha Music, 2007).

Jason Crane, AAJ contributor and host of The Jazz Session, spoke with Piatigorsky in April 2007.

Check out Misha Piatigorsky: Invent ...

247

Performance / Tour

Misha Piatigorsky Trio Live at Smoke Jazz Club NYC on January 31st, 2008

Misha Piatigorsky Trio Live at Smoke Jazz Club NYC on January 31st, 2008

Source: Two for the Show Media

Pianist, Composer, & Bandleader Misha Piatigorsky will be performing with his Trio at SMOKE Jazz Club in NYC on Thursday, January 31st, 2008. Sets at 8:00, 10:00, & 11:30 PM “Misha Piatigorsky is perhaps the most gifted of all the great pianists I've had accompany me over the years." --Mark Murphy The Misha Piatigorsky Trio Misha Piatigorsky - Piano Boris Kozlov -Bass Ari Hoenig - Drums Misha Piatigorsky bio: Misha Piatigorsky, winner of the ...

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Performance / Tour

Les Paul (Mon) PJQ (Tue 6PM) Mingus Big Band (Tues) Misha Piatigorsky Trio (Wed) Apr. 12-15 Dave Douglas & Keystone at the Iridium Jazz Club

Les Paul (Mon) PJQ (Tue 6PM) Mingus Big Band (Tues) Misha Piatigorsky Trio (Wed) Apr. 12-15 Dave Douglas & Keystone at the Iridium Jazz Club

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB 1650 BROADWAY (Corner of 51st) NEW YORK, NY 10023 RESERVATIONS: 212-582-2121 8:30 & 10:30PM, Fri. & Sat. 3rd Sets AT MIDNIGHT Note: Set Times for Les Paul Remain at 8 & 10PM EVERY MONDAY LES PAUL AND HIS TRIO JOHN COLIANNI - PIANO - LOU PALLO - GUITAR, NICKI PARROTT - BASS Note: Set Times for Les Paul Remain at 8 & 10PM MINGUS LEGACY ...

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Event

Misha Piatigorsky Trio at the Iridium in NYC April 11

Misha Piatigorsky Trio at the Iridium in NYC April 11

Source: Two for the Show Media

Pianist, Composer, and Bandleader Misha Piatigorsky will be performing with his Trio at The Iridium Jazz Club in New York City on April 11th, 2007 Two Sets 8:30PM & 10:30 PM

FEATURING: Misha Piatigorsky (piano) Hans Glawischnig (bass) Ari Hoenig (drums)

“Straddling the line between Modest Mussorgsky and Vince Guaraldi, Russian-born, NYC-based pianist Misha Piatigorsky separates himself from the slew of jazz pianists through his ability to produce strong and ...

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Technology

The Jazz Session (Podcast): Misha Piatigorsky

The Jazz Session (Podcast): Misha Piatigorsky

Source: All About Jazz

On the new episode of The Jazz Session, Jason Crane interviews pianist Misha Piatigorsky. Misha fled with his family from Russia during the height of the Cold War and ended up in New Jersey. A classically trained pianist, he discovered jazz and fell in love with the music, ending up at Rutgers studying with Kenny Barron. He won the 2004 Thelonious Monk Composers Competition. He's also the pianist and musical director for singing legend Mark Murphy. Misha's new trio with ...

Primary Instrument

Piano

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Stained Glass &...

Natural Drummer
2018

buy

Paris Troika

Self Produced
2010

buy

17 Rooms

Misha Music
2009

buy

Uncommon Circumstances

Self Produced
2007

buy

AYA

Misha Music
2007

buy

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