Philip Aaberg

Philip Aaberg
Born April 8, 1949 (1949-04-08) (age 62)
Origin Havre, Montana, USA
Genres Jazz, instrumental
Occupations Composer, musician
Instruments piano
Years active 1979–present
Associated acts Will Ackerman, Darol Anger, Michael Hedges

Philip Aaberg (born April 8, 1949) is an American pianist, keyboardist, and composer.[1] He gained international recognition through a series of successful piano recordings released on Windham Hill Records. Although classically trained, Aaberg incorporates classical, jazz, bluegrass, rock, and new music elements into his compositions and musical structures.[2] Although best known for his solo piano work, he is most at home in the chamber jazz genre. His compositions are noted for their "rigorous keyboard technique, diverse influences, and colorful compositional style."[3]

Contents

Early life

Philip Aaberg was born in Havre, Montana in 1949 and raised in Chester, Montana.[3] By the age of 14, he was performing with local bands at dances in Chester.[4] Aaberg studied music at Harvard University on a Leonard Bernstein scholarship. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in music, he moved to Oakland, California and played in blues clubs for several years.[5] He also toured and recorded as a member of Elvin Bishop's Group at the time of its greatest popularity, and co-wrote the title song of the band's 1976 "Struttin' My Stuff" release.

Windham Hill years

In 1985, Aaberg signed a recording contract with Windham Hill Records and released the highly acclaimed solo album High Plains that showcased his eclectic musical background. He followed this up with five solo albums: Cinema (1992), Field Notes (2000), Live from Montana (2000), which received a Grammy nomination, Christmas (2002), and Blue West (2005). Aaberg also appeared regularly on the popular Windham Hill Sampler albums over the past 20 years and has had success in various collaborations and ensemble projects.[5]

Aaberg has performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra and has appeared at the Marlboro Chamber Music Festival. As a guest artist, he has performed on over 200 albums and on PBS's All-American Jazz program, which earned him an Emmy Award nomination. He has appeared with Peter Gabriel and the Doobie Brothers in concert.[5]

Sweetgrass Music years

In 2000, Aaberg began his own record label, Sweetgrass Music, through which he has since endeavored to produce music that "connects a global audience to the sweeping landscape of the West." Throughout his career, Aaberg has produced music that consistently translated Montana's farms, ranches, and native cultures into "musical concepts" and has "forged a unique keyboard style that paints an audible portrait of his home state."[2]

Discography

Solo recordings

Collaborations

Guest appearances

References

  1. ^ "Philip Aaberg Plays for Fine Arts Series Finale". Bozeman Daily Chronicle. April 15, 2011. http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/arts_and_entertainment/sounds/article_afaf9cc0-66d7-11e0-a00c-001cc4c002e0.html. Retrieved August 6, 2011. 
  2. ^ a b Sweetgrass Music.
  3. ^ a b Kohanov, Linda. "Biography: Philip Aaberg". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/q71083. Retrieved September 5, 2011. 
  4. ^ Ackerman, Will. Upright by Phillip Aaberg. Liner Notes.
  5. ^ a b c Kohanov

External links