Matt Baker A RHAPSODY OF GERSHWIN Premieres At Birdland To A Capacity Crowd

Jazz pianist Matt Baker returned to a capacity crowd at Birdland (315 West 44th Street NYC) with the world premier of his NEW project: A Rhapsody of Gershwin on Monday, March 18 to huge standing ovations! This brilliant show presented a whole new spin on the music one of America's most celebrated composers, with an all-star lineup from the heart of New York's jazz scene. Joining Matt Baker - Piano; were Endea Owens - double bass; Curtis Nowosad - drums; Alex Goodman - guitar; and special guests: Nico Sarbanes- trumpet & voice; and Grammy nominated vocalist Nicole Zuraitis.

This was Gershwin, like you've never heard it. Comprising music from Crazy for You, Porgy and Bess and An American in Paris. Plus presenting masterpiece versions of some of ther exciting gems from the classical world of George Gershwin, that included haunting musical and vocal arrangments of Concerto in F, Rhapsody In Blue and others!

Australian born Jazz Pianist Matt Baker has performed in jazz festivals, clubs and concert halls in Australia, Europe, USA and the Pacific Rim. As of 2010, he is now proud to call New York City his home. In 2017 he released his latest DVD album "Live at Birdland". Baker recorded his 5th album Almost Blue (via JazzElm Music), released in June 2016. His previous album 'Underground' received rave reviews in Downbeat, Jazz Times and Jazz Wise UK, and reached #26 on the US JazzWeek charts. These acclaimed recordings and other offerings are available on his website - www.mattbaker.com.au.

Matt Baker's sideman credits include touring and performing with vocalists Ann Hampton Callaway, Jennifer Holliday, Patti LaBelle, Veronica Swift (2015 Monk competition winner), Tierney Sutton, Arianna Neikrug (2015 Sarah Vaughan competition winner) and Judy Collins, as well as guitar icon Bucky Pizzarelli, tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm. Matt Baker was an award winner in the 2003 Montreux International Solo Jazz Piano competition and a semi-finalist in 2004 and 2005. The Montreux Jazz Festival also engaged the Matt Baker Trio as its exclusive in-house band for 2 years, where they performed 17 nights in the Montreux Festival Jazz Club, accompanying and supporting many of the headlining artists.

Melissa Errico in relation to her new show - The Permanent American Party when preparing stated: "soon arranged to fall into the hands (and horns!) of a new swing group that the all-purpose pianist Matt Baker put together for me."

For performances and more information: www.mattbaker.com.au. Also additional information on the creation of the production for this exciting new show can be seen at https://igg.me/at/aRhapsodyOfGershwin.

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