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Early Childhood Music & MusikGarten |
John Hansen is regarded as one of the most in-demand jazz pianists in the Northwest. That he would grow up to be a respected musician surprised no one who witnessed the curiosity, aptitude and passion he possessed on several instruments as a child. Not those who heard him sight-singing in his mother's church choir at 5 years old. Or those who heard him playing his mother's piano scores, or lifting tunes and playing them on the piano at age 7. Not those who heard the 9-year-old trumpet prodigy, especially later in his first chair positions in the Tacoma Youth and All-State symphonies. What would surprise people is that after nearly a decade immersed in classical music and performance on classical trumpet, John Hansen would give it all up because he had to swing, and that the piano would become his instrument of choice. Hansen's artistry gained early recognition that led to many opportunities for the development of his craft on the bandstand with Seattle luminaries such as Chuck Metcalf, Jan Stentz, and Julian Priester. John studied improvisation in the way of the old-school masters, teaching himself to play by listening to the great pianists and horn players who inspired him. He studied the nuances of swinging rhythm sections from Basie to Trane, and Herbie to Brecker. He analyzed the melodic passages of Bud, Dexter, Rollins, and Woody Shaw. Throughout, John was always his own musician, noted by his peers for a personal voice. His sometimes quirky, bop-inflected lines are always swinging, modern in their invention, and as the great multi-instrumentalist Jay Thomas says, "Hansen is always promoting the groove". John has forged lasting relationships with many musicians on the Northwest jazz scene to become a permanent contributor to the identity of some of the areas leading ensembles (Kelley Johnson, Jay Thomas), and often mentored young musicians along the way, such as the now well-accomplished drummer, Jon Wikan, among others. John's performance history includes such venues as NYC's Birdland, The Jazz Standard, DC's John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts, Seattle's Jazz Alley and Tula's, and international festivals and tours in France, Japan, Korea, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Russia. During his career, Hansen has been featured pianist on the recordings of the Northwest's premiere, often award-winning bands including: the Jay Thomas Quartet, Jim Knapp Orchestra, Bill Ramsay and Milt Kleeb's Band—Kelly's Heroes with Pete Christlieb, The Marriott Brothers, Rich Cole Quartet, Kelley Johnson, Greg Williamson Quartet and has been invited to perform with The Seattle Symphony, Rick Margitza, Randy Brecker, Dave Pietro, Ingrid Jensen, Ernestine Anderson, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Bud Shank, and Bobby Shew. His own recording is yet to come and eagerly awaited by many. Music Works is proud to offer individual jazz piano lessons with John Hansen. Call 425-644-0988 to register. |
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Music Works Northwest
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