The Evolving Bassist: What's New with RR

He is a player who follows his own muse opening with Monk’s “Well You Needn’t,” where he perhaps plays less angularly and with more fluidity than usual. He hints at the melody more than stating it but impresses with his imagination and the logic of his solo…It is engrossing to … Read More

His star clearly on the ascent, Goldberg, now 13, has released his debut album, Let’s Play! (Brandon Goldberg Music). It’s a trio recording of standards and Goldberg originals that also features bassist Ben Wolfe and drummer Donald Edwards, with saxophonist Marcus Strickland guesting on two tracks. Let’s Play! introduces the listener to a gifted pianist and composer, a sensitive interpreter, and an inventive improviser who is deeply immersed in jazz. It’s an impressive achievement by any standard, made doubly striking by the fact that Goldberg was 12 when he recorded it.

The past is prologue when it comes to precocious, teenaged pianist Brandon Goldberg, who during the past two years has taken top honors in several DownBeat Student Music Awards categories. A development perhaps surpassing these accomplishments is the release of his debut album, Let’s Play (Self Release; 44:51). “McCoy”—Goldberg’s work … Read More

It’s both inspiring and intimidating to hear about adolescent childhood jazz prodigies. I’ve seen Joey Alexander, Emily Bear and Eldar Djangarov before they learned how to drive, and was impressed by their techniques and style. Here is a guy barely past his Bar Mitzvah, and he’s got not only the … Read More

Joey Alexander isn’t the only precocious young pianist to emerge in recent years. 12 years old when Brandon Goldberg recorded this album, he has been raising eyebrows with his considerable piano skills. His teachers include Shelly Berg, Avery Shape, and Matt Wilson, and he has been mentored by Monty Alexander. … Read More

Pianist Brandon Goldberg — a fresh new face in the literal and figurative sense — made a nice push into the Top 10 with his new album Let’s Play, on which the abundantly skilled young keyboardist showcases his ample dexterity and wise-beyond-his-years sound in the company of saxophonist Marcus Strickland, bassist … Read More

Brandon Goldberg’s debut album offers proof positive that Joey Alexander is not the only piano prodigy working in the contemporary jazz field today. But the young man with his name at the top of the bill here no more needs to flaunt his instrumental technique than his composing chops: a preponderance of … Read More

From Ken Franckling’s Jazz Notes: Pianist Brandon Goldberg’s debut recording is quite something: a blend of his own distinct arrangements of six standards plus three original compositions. He understands the basics and nuances of making jazz – and swings like mad in the great company of his trio mates, bassist … Read More

Brandon Goldberg started studying piano when he was three and although he is only 13-years-old, he now plays it with the sensitivity of a true seasoned veteran. His debut album, Let’s Play (out April 12), finds him backed by bassist Ben Wolfe and drummer Doland Edwards, with special guest spots from saxophonist … Read More

Brandon Goldberg is only 13 years old, but he’s already showing that age is no barrier to entry when it comes to jazz. The pianist has just released his debut album, featuring both originals and his arrangements of some classic standards. Don’t miss this kid! After hearing Joey Alexander make waves a … Read More