Since 1982, pianist, composer, educator and bandleader Michael Weiss has enjoyed a formidable career working in the bands of a “who's who” of jazz legends: Johnny Griffin, Art Farmer, George Coleman, the Heath Brothers, Frank Wess, Slide Hampton, The Jazztet, Lou Donaldson, Charles McPherson, Jon Hendricks, the Junior Cook/Bill Hardman Quintet, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and Mingus Epitaph Orchestra. He has also performed with Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, Clark Terry, Clifford Jordan, Curtis Fuller, Phil Woods, Pepper Adams, Ron Carter, David Newman, Nancy Wilson, Randy Brecker, Tom Harrell and Wynton Marsalis. As a leader Weiss has headlined at major jazz venues around the world including the Village Vanguard, Detroit Jazz Festival, and the Blue Note.

“He can focus the intensity in a tune as well as any pianist in mainstream jazz.” – New York Times

“A nimble and inventive keyboard artist who couldn’t play an inelegant note if he wanted to.” – Chicago Tribune

“One of the most fluent and flexible pianists of his generation.” – BMI Music World

Weiss’s compositions have been recorded by several leading jazz artists. In 2000, Wayne Shorter presented Weiss with the BMI/Monk Institute Composers Competition grand prize. The Detroit Free Press writes, “the songs simply smoke.” Jazz Journal writes “This music lives and breathes freshness and exhilarating originality.” Weiss' recordings as a leader are on the Cellar Live, CrissCross, SteepleChase, Sintra, and DIW labels.

Visit www.michaelweiss.info