Rick Germanson

Education

MM, Manhattan School of Music

BA, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

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Rick Germanson is highly in-demand on the New York City Jazz scene for well over a decade now. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rick moved to New York City after winning the GRAND PRIZE at The American Pianists' Association Jazz Piano Competition in Indianapolis, in 1996. He was also “Best of New Talent in 2004” by publication All About Jazz NYC.

Since 2001, Rick has been touring and recording with The Cannonball Legacy Band featuring the legendary Louis Hayes. From 2003-2008 Rick also toured with master guitarist Pat Martino. Currently, Rick is currently the pianist for guitarist Russell Malone, bassist Kyle Eastwood, vocalist Gregory Generet, trombonist Papo Vazquezʼs Mighty Pirates Troubadours, among many others.

Rick has performed throughout the world, at most of the top jazz festivals, concert halls and clubs with the following jazz artists: Louis Hayes; Pat Martino; Elvin Jones' Jazz Machine; Jimmy Cobb; George Coleman; Papo Vazquez; Russell Malone; Donald Harrison; Regina Carter; Javon Jackson; Steve Davis; Brian Lynch; Nat Reeves; Jeremy Pelt; Tom Harrell; Slide Hampton; Frank Morgan; Vincent Herring; Eric Alexander; Marlena Shaw; Kevin Mohagany; Sherman Irby; Grady Tate; Dr. Eddie Henderson; Jim Rotondi; Duane Eubanks; Charles McPherson; Delfeayo Marsalis; Charles Davis; Ray Mantilla and Space Station; Cecil Payne; Wayne Escoffrey.

Rick is also an experienced educator, having taught lessons or given clinics at such institutes as New York University; The Julliard School; Oberlin University; Jazz at Lincoln Center Outreach Program; New Jersey Performing Arts Center Jazz for Teens Program; McNally Smith College of Music; Long Island University to name a few.

Rick studied at The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee while graduating with a B.A. from The University of Wisconsin in 1996. He later attended the masters program at Manhattan School of Music on partial scholarship in 1998, studying with Jaki Byard.

Rick has four recordings out as a leader: The first two are on Fresh Sound New Talent: "HEIGHTS" and "YOU TELL ME". His recording “OFF THE CUFF” on Owl Studios reached #15 on the Jazz Radio Play Charts. The most recent is on SmallsLive. “RICK GERMANSON: LIVE AT SMALLʼS”. Downbeat and JazzTimes magazines have given Rickʼs recordings rave reviews. Rick has also been documented on forty recordings as a sideman with many of the top musicians in jazz today.