Jazz Group
Neil Podgurski
Neil Podgurski is a jazz pianist and composer. His dynamic versatility at the piano can be traced back to an affinity for music. At age 3 he began picking out popular melodies on the piano by ear. By age six he began formal piano lessons and when he reached high school he was studying and performing at the Settlement Music School and University of the Arts on scholarships. Neil attended the New School in New York City on scholarship where he had the opportunity to study under jazz greats, Reggie Workman, Jackie Byard, Joe Chambers, Gary Dial, Arnie Lawrence, Barry Harris, and Jr. Mance,.
In 2005 Neil released his debut album Revolutions, which became a “listeners favorite” on WRTI in Philadelphia. His recording credits as a sideman include, Captin Black Big Band in 2011, and in 2012, The Landham Bros Shape of things to Come, Central Unions Secret Handshake, and Tim Warfileds Jazzy Christmas.
Neils performing credits include playing alongside Terrell Stafford, Nicholas Payton, Stephon Harris, Tim Warfield Jr., Warren Wolf, Eric Alexander, Ralph Bowen, and Seamus Blake to mention a few. He performs throughout Philadelphia, New York and Washing DC. Most recently he performed at The Kennedy Center, The Philadelphia Art Museum, The Jazz Gallery, The Iridium and Bohemian Caverns. Neil also works as a solo pianist performing for cocktail and dinner venues in Philly and Bucks Count. Some venues he has played are, The Omni, The Prime Rib, Bobby Simones, and Giumurellos.
Neil’s influences include Duke Ellington, Bud Powell, Red Garland, Ahmad Jamal, Errol Garner, Thelonius Monk, McCoy Tyner, Andrew Hill, Glen Gould, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane and Miles Davis. He also sights his friend, the late James “Sid” Simmons as both an influence and inspiration.
Currently, Neil is an artist in residence at Temple University’s Esther Boyer College Of Music where he works as an adjunct professor in addition to teaching private jazz piano. Neil is set to record his second album as a leader this spring. Entitled Nine Times One Hundred Thousand, it is an artistic endeavor inspired by his spiritual practice. He has transcribed traditional Tibetan folk and prayer melodies to be played by his jazz trio.