A leading exponent of the thirtysomething generation, Emmet Cohen is a pianist who is firmly rooted in the jazz tradition. For his Masters Legacy Series, he has hosted legends such as Ron Carter, Benny Golson, George Coleman, and Houston Person, the tenor saxophonist with 70 years of career behind him. Cohen shows an attitude towards tradition and the history of American music, adding his freshness, personality and taste. Cohen is a brilliant and technically flawless pianist who recalls the virtuosity of Erroll Garner and Oscar Peterson with smooth and elaborate phrasing.
It is necessary to mention – among the most important moments of his career – the Lincoln Center’s “Jazz for Young People” program, his participation in the most important festivals in the world (Monterey, Newport, North Sea, Bern, Edinburgh, New Orleans), and his concerts in the most famous jazz clubs, from Birdland to Ronnie Scott’s.
He won the 2014 American Jazz Pianists Competition and the 2011 Phillips Piano Competition at the University of West Florida, and he was a finalist in the 2011 Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition. He was also the pianist of Christian McBride’s trio, Tip City.
He has proven to feel at ease as the pianist for jazz vocalists such as Samara Joy and Veronica Swift. His trio supports him with professionalism and verve.
“Vibe Provider” is his latest album.