Glenn Zaleski has quickly become one of the most important pianists of his generation and it's easy to see why. – All About Jazz
About Glenn Zaleski
Glenn Zaleski is one of the most in-demand pianists on the New York City jazz scene. Originally from Boylston, MA, Zaleski has made a name for himself playing with the likes of Ravi Coltrane, Lage Lund, and Ari Hoenig. His most recent album, Solo Vol. 1, was released in early 2018—his first solo piano album, as well as the first release from his own label Stark Terrace Music. In 2017 he released his second album, Fellowship. His 2015 debut album, My Ideal, received critical acclaim: Downbeat Magazine named it "sublime"; Jazz Times called it "an engaging set by a talent worth watching"; and The New York Times named the record a "strong statement," praising its "fluent but unhurried sense of phrase.”
Zaleski has also released two popular albums with the collective Stranahan/Zaleski/Rosato: Limitless (Capri, 2013) and Anticipation (Capri, 2011), as well as a duo record with his brother, saxophonist Mark Zaleski: Duet Suite, 2010.
In 2011, Zaleski was a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, as well as a finalist for the 2011 APA Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz. He attended the Brubeck Institute Fellowship program in Stockton, CA from 2005 to 2007, and then finished his undergraduate studies at The New School in 2009. From 2009 to 2011, while working towards his graduate degree at NYU, Zaleski was also on NYU faculty, teaching a variety of classes and private students.
About The Future of Jazz Piano
St. Stephen’s inaugural season explores the vanguard of jazz piano. Fred Hersch, who opens the 2018-19 season on September 28 with a benefit performance and book signing, has also curated a series of solo performances that will continue through the spring. Drawing from four decades of experience as a musician and teacher, Hersch has selected three New York-based artists that are “bright young lights of the jazz piano scene.”
Curator's Statement, Fred Hersch: From my more than 35 years teaching jazz piano at many elite conservatories to my more than 40 years living in New York City and keeping and ear to the ground, I have been aware of—and in many cases, mentored—some of the bright young lights of the jazz piano scene. My series this year shines some light on three particularly strong pianists. Playing solo is a true test of pianistic resources, imagination, and awareness of all of the many historical styles of jazz piano. And these young artists are more than up to the task....I met Glenn Zaleski when he was a participant in the Dave Brubeck Institute—he has since made a name for himself in New York with his fine trio and solo playing and in his duos with his saxophonist brother Mark. He is beginning to tour internationally and more and more are becoming turned on to his considerable talent."