Pianist Dan Nimmer Joins Yamaha Roster

Widely respected pianist has an impressive recording and performing career, including long-standing roles in the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Wynton Marsalis Quintet.

Jazz pianist Dan Nimmer, whose impressive career as a recording and performing artist includes his continuing role in the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Wynton Marsalis Quintet, has joined the global family of distinguished Yamaha Piano Artists.

"It's very exciting to welcome Dan Nimmer as a Yamaha Artist, and we're thrilled to have such a talented young pianist as a member of our worldwide family," said Bonnie Barrett, Director of Yamaha Artist Services, Inc. "Many fellow musicians and others who have had the pleasure of seeing or hearing Dan perform have described him as ‘an old soul in a young man's body,' and I agree, because it's hard to believe his musical gifts belong to such a relatively young man, and he's accomplished so much in such a short time."

Mr. Nimmer, 31, is widely recognized for his prodigious technique and an innate sense of swing, and his playing is often compared to that of his own heroes, namely Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, Wynton Kelly and Erroll Garner. In addition to recording five of his own albums, he has performed or recorded with some of the most respected names in music and from a broad range of genres and styles, including Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Chick Corea, Norah Jones, Eric Clapton, George Benson, Tom Jones, Jimmy Cobb, Benny Golson and Houston Person, to name a few.

"I'm delighted to join the impressive roster of Yamaha Artists, and eager to explore all the opportunities that this unique partnership offers," Mr. Nimmer said.

In his capacity as a Yamaha Artist, Mr. Nimmer will play exclusively on Yamaha pianos. In addition to public and private appearances, Mr. Nimmer will participate in master classes, lectures, recitals and performances produced by Yamaha Artist Services New York at its Piano Salon in midtown Manhattan and at partner schools, institutions and venues.

"It's wonderful that Dan will share his talent and passion with others through the myriad programs, performances, events and outreach we offer through Yamaha Artist Services New York," Ms. Barrett said. "The fact that such a gifted pianist has chosen Yamaha is a testament to the quality of our pianos, and he'll truly be an asset to our family of artists around the globe."

Mr. Nimmer began playing as a youngster after his family inherited a hundred-year-old piano from an aunt, playing by ear before studying classical piano in his native Wisconsin. Just as he says he was "called" by the piano, Mr. Nimmer felt a strong attraction to jazz, fostered in part by his parents, who would often take him to jazz clubs in Milwaukee. While still in high school, he began playing gigs in those very same clubs.

He went on to study music at Northern Illinois University, and quickly became one of Chicago's most sought-after piano players. His success performing in the thriving Chicago music scene convinced him to leave school and head to New York City in 2004, where Mr. Nimmer found himself just as busy, regularly performing with a litany of the Big Apple's top musicians. A year later, Wynton Marsalis hired him for both the legendary trumpeter's quintet and his 15-piece Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra.

In addition to performing at The White House, London's Royal Albert Hall, the Salle Pleyel in Paris and the Hollywood Bowl, among other renowned venues and music festivals around the world, Mr. Nimmer's numerous television appearances include The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, The Late Show With David Letterman, Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Kennedy Center Honors and Live From Lincoln Center on PBS.

Mr. Nimmer credits much of his success thus far to the mentoring he received from more experienced musicians, and is particularly eager to be able to speak to young people about music and following their own passions.

"I believe the most important thing for a young musician is playing with people at a higher level, and I've been very fortunate in the opportunities I've had to do that," Mr. Nimmer said. "I'm really looking forward to sharing not only my music, but also my love of music with people of all ages as a Yamaha Artist."

For additional information please contact Hilary Jansen at Yamaha Artist Services, 212/339-9995 x227, hjansen(at)yamaha(dot)com, and http://www.yamaha.com/yasi.