Newton Piano Summit - Paul Bloom and George Russell Jr.
When:
Sunday, Mar 16, 2025 3:00p -
5:00p
Sunday, Mar 16, 2025 3:00p -
5:00p
Where:
Second Church in Newton
60 Highland Street
Newton, MA 02465
Admission:
FREE
Hosted by:
Categories:
Accessible Spots, Music, Rainy Day Ideas
Event website:
https://newtonpianosummit.org
Paul Bloom : Defies Category
Paul distinguished himself quickly as a prodigiously creative talent in the Boston area before moving to New York City. Originally from Needham, Massachusetts, Paul was enthralled by music as a child and started taking piano lessons at age 5. As a teenager, he took lessons with Steve Sussman, Doug Johnson, and Hal Crook, while performing weekly at Wally’s Jazz Club. He also joined New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music programs, studying with renowned artists and educators including Austin McMahon, Tiger Okoshi, Alexei Tsiganov, Joanne Brackeen, Wes Wirth, Ken Schaphorst, and Julian Lage.
Paul participated in the Brubeck Institute Fellowship Program from 2012-2013, where he worked with mentors Joe Gilman, Stefon Harris, Patrick Langham, and Brian Kendrick. After moving to New York City in 2013, he began studies at Columbia University and discovered a fascination with neuroscience. Over the following years, he balanced studies in developmental neuroscience with a regular schedule of performances and recording sessions, as well as lessons with Frank Kimbrough and Bruce Barth.
Over the past decade, Paul has been an active member of the New York City music scene, playing and recording with artists spanning many musical styles, including Jess Best, Taylor Simone Harvey, iiii, Justin Carter, Alex Graff, Bria Monét, Chandanie, Sedric Perry, Elysse, Jazze Belle, Marcus Machado, Kendra Foster, and JSWISS. He has had opportunities to perform at premier venues, including the Blue Note, Apollo Theater, Dizzy’s Club, Nublu, Celebrate Brooklyn Festival, San Jose Jazz Festival, NYC Winter Jazz Festival, The Bowery Ballroom, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the California Jazz Conservatory.
George Russell Jr. : Fusion of Gospel and Jazz
George Russell Jr. is a name that hardly needs an introduction. This year’s performance will make him the Summit’s first three-time performer since moving from the Waban Library. A pianist renowned for his passion, fire, soul, and spirit, he has recently embarked on a sabbatical from his teaching responsibilities to focus on his latest recording project, Reimagined. This album offers a fresh and inspired take on his favorite spirituals and hymns, reflecting his deep musical roots.
Currently, George serves as Chair of the Harmony Department at Berklee College of Music, a role preceded by his tenure as a Professor of Harmony and Piano. Despite focusing on the piano, George often describes himself as “a drummer who happens to play the piano.” This rhythmic sensibility is evident in every performance, where his strong sense of groove and timing infuses his music with dynamic energy and depth.
Through his teaching, performances, and recordings, George Russell Jr. continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of music, blending tradition with innovation in ways that resonate with audiences and inspire future generations.
This program is supported in part by grants from the Village Bank which has a long tradition of commitment to the Garden City, Advance Auto in Nonantum - providing quality service for everything automotive, Honda Village, and the Newton Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, Newton Community Pride, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Charles River Foundation and private donors.
