Warren Byrd Jazz Pianist from Hartford, CT

Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, Warren Byrd is an artist with a long list of international credits, tours, and celebrated work. Well-known for his Monk-ish style and hard-swinging approach, he's developed legendary status amongst his staunchest advocates, noted as well for his compositional skills, versatility, and inventiveness. From first croonings in the gospel choir at age four to high school's end he'd performed extensively as an amateur actor, singer, and pianist. Though earning a full scholarship for a Voice at Hartt College of music he'd choose to focus on jazz piano and composition emerging primarily self-taught. Time found him freelancing with such notables as Archie Shepp and Eddie Henderson ;leading Gospel choirs; composing for theatre and dance. He finished in the top twenty-five in the 1999 Monk International Competition for Piano and soon released his CD “Truth Raised Twice”. Recent years include domestic and international tours and CD releases with trumpeter Saskia Laroo, the Afro-Semitic Experience co-led with David Chevan and many other jazz and pop music acts. He touts composition as fundamental to his development as a jazz artist. His creative passion may be well-summarized in his motto: “...Music speaks free-spirit tongues unleashing grace on souls dancing toward daring peace...” His own ensembles: Solo piano the Byrdspeak Ensemble Duo Laroo/Byrd Laroo/Byrd Funky4 Styles: Jazz (from the Great American Songbook to Contemporary), blues, funk, r&b, dance, world music. Occasions: festivals, clubs, private events.