The Evolving Bassist: What's New with RR

Pianist Brandon Goldberg may not have the seasoned years behind him yet, (In Good Time finds him brewing with ideas most fifteen-year-olds never tackle) but it is no more a beloved veteran than the late Ralph Peterson who, via a wisely archived voice mail, urges the young man “What’s up Brandon, gimme a shout man … Read More

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