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Perry Wortman

Perry Wortman's journey as a bassist began in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he had the opportunity to perform with jazz veterans such as Freddie Bryant, Ted Moses, Anne Hampton Calloway and Wynton Marsalis. These experiences inspired him to move to New York City, where he could further hone his craft.

In New York, Perry studied with Buster Williams at the New School for Jazz for one year before completing his studies at the Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Jay Anderson. His passion for jazz led him on a journey across the world, touring throughout Europe, the US, Asia, Canada, and the Caribbean with groups such as The Paislies, Ryan Blotnick Group, Pete Robbins and Centric and the Gordon Webster Band.

Perry's musical projects have been as diverse as they have been numerous. From the indie rock band Hungry Hands to Indo-Jazz crossover groups like the Arun Ramamurthy Trio and Karavika (led by his wife, Amali Premawardhana), Perry has explored a wide range of musical styles. In 2019, Perry and the Arun Ramamurthy Trio received a New Jazz Works grant from Chamber Music America.

In 2022, Perry and his family relocated to the Chicago area, where he continues to push the boundaries of jazz.

Awards

New Jazz Works grant from Chamber Music America, 2019 (ART)

Dan McClenaghan's Best Releases Of 2016 (Karavika)

Top New Release from NPR’s New Sounds 2015 (ART)

Dan McClenaghan's Best Releases Of 2014 (ART)

 


Tags

...at once modern and ancient, soothing and invigorating, cerebral in the most approachable of ways.

- Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Of Earth And Sky

Self Produced
2016

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Jazz Carnatica

Self Produced
2014

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Sunrise

Self Produced
2012

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Everything Forgets

Songlines Recordings
2009

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Music Needs You

Songlines Recordings
2008

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Blues Till Dawn

Self Produced
2008

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Videos

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