Jeff Pittson pianist, composer, Jeff Pittson represents a dynamic force in the world of jazz having performed with such important figures as Joe Henderson, Tony Williams, Eddie Henderson, John Handy, Jack Walrath, Mike Clark, Maynard Ferguson, Larry Coryell, Kenny Garrett, and many more. As a virtuoso performer on piano, he is also active on electronic keyboards as well as performing and recording on Hammond B-3 organ. As a composer, Mr. Pittson recently wrote music for the documentary Ann Calvello: Demon of the Derby and his classical piano work, The Dietrich Variations, recently made it's debut under the auspices of the Redding Ballet. Such gifted artists as Billy Childs, Chris Potter, Harvie S and Paul Jackson have performed his jazz compositions. He is active as an educator and adjudicator for festivals was Professor of Jazz Piano at Sonoma State University from 1984 to 2001 and is now on the Faculty of the Jazz School in Berkeley CA. He is the leader on his own critically acclaimed CD Go Where It's Dangerous, featuring Wally Schnalle and will release a new work Invisible Love with drummer Brian Melvin and bassist Robb Fischer this year. What the Critics are saying about Jeff Pittson! 'Pittson tells a compelling story from the piano.' Robin Tolleson, Downbeat '. . .A superb pianist. . .' Philip Elwood, San Francisco Chronicle '. . .outstanding piano. . . Jeff Pittson is such a good piano player.' Haybert Houston, Jazz Now Magazine '. . .captivating. . .' Jack Burke, The Daily News '. . .outstanding. . .' Lee Hildebrand '. . .energy and chops to spare.' The Penguin Guide to Jazz '. . .a muscular supportive accompanist and a crack soloist.' Zan Stewart, Downbeat '. . .a marvelously talented pianist with a light touch at the keyboard.' Joel Roberts, CD Review 'Jeff Pittson single-handedly gave the rest of the band a run for their money in terms of chops, compositions and accompaniment.' Richie Begin, Good Times 'As for the album (Go Where It's Dangerous). . . The power is palpable and it has the impact of a summer breeze. It's very active, always changing directions, and, in the best moments, very warm. You'll want to be there be it dangerous or otherwise.' John Barrett Jr., Jazz Improv Jeff Pittson, Go Where It's Dangerous It's just piano and drums but it sounds so big. A very interesting keyboard man than can write solid tunes but still step aside to do 'Godfather'; the depth of this date is sure to please genre fans. Compelling work that is sure to win new friends and fans. Midwest Record Recap (Go Where It's Dangerous)'. . .maintains creativity that never lapses into a simple contemporary sound.' Bob Karlovitz Pittsburgh Tribune-Review '. . . always a pleasure to hear. . . makes for compelling listening.' David M. Meyers Davis Enterprise, Davis CA. '. . .cool sounds. . . mind expanding. . .' Jeff Kaliss 'On Pittson's brilliantly produced Go Where It's Dangerous, he plays piano, claviola, ocarina, bass, percussion, and sampler. . . a sonically spacious and multi-textured recording that goes beyond jazz without falling into any known fusion trap.' Dirk Richardson, Critics Choice San Francisco Bay Guardian '. . .dazzling. . .' Chuck Berg, Jazz Times '. . .hard swinging. . .' Wayne Saroyan The Oakland Tribune 'Jeff Pittson explored. . .exotic harmonies with blazing technique.' Robert Tate, Jazz Magazine 'Jeff Pittson is deep. Having just released his latest CD on Vineland Records titled, Go Where It's Dangerous, he is not only one of Northern California's finest jazz pianists but a force to be reckoned with. The Bay Area, long fertile with unmatched creativity and innovation, can be more than proud of it's latest talent. In the words of Dr. Patrick Gleeson, this CD is 'not for the faint-hearted.' It is for the complete lover of jazz. Jeff Pittson, the jazz pianist,scholar, sideman, composer, and just outright jazz heavyweight, plays abundantly with guest artist Wally Schnalle on what is one the the best jazz piano CD's of it's genre. Paula Edelstein, Jazz Review.
