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Key Information

Geoffrey Keezer (born November 20, 1970) is an American jazz pianist. In 2023, he won the Best Instrumental Composition Grammy [1] for Refuge

Keezer was playing in jazz clubs as a teenager, playing piano for Art Blakey at age 18 and touring with Joshua Redman, Benny Golson and Ray Brown in his 20s. He has toured with David Sanborn, Chris Botti, Joe Locke and Christian McBride and worked with vocalist Denise Donatelli, receiving Grammy Award nominations, and releasing albums influenced by Hawaiian, Okinawan, and Afro-Peruvian folk traditions.

His 2009 album Áurea was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album;[2] in 2010 he was nominated for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) for "Don't Explain" on Denise Donatelli's album When Lights Are Low.[2] In 2013 Keezer released his first solo piano album in 13 years, Heart of the Piano (Motéma Music).

Early life

[edit]

Born in Eau Claire, the son of Mary Ann Graham, a professional French Horn player, and Ronald Willard Keezer, a composer/percussionist and member of the music faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire,[3][4] Geoff Keezer attended Putnam Heights Elementary School,[5] South Junior High School,[6] and Memorial High School, graduating in 1988.[7]

Performing and recording

[edit]

In 1989, after attending Berklee College of Music for one year, Keezer joined Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, becoming the last pianist to join the band.[8] He composed and arranged original music for the group, with which he remained until Blakey's death in 1990. Keezer's debut album as a leader, Waiting in the Wings (Sunnyside) came out in 1989.

1990s

[edit]

Keezer joined the Art Farmer Quartet in 1990. The band performed at major North American jazz festivals and jazz clubs. Keezer served as musical director and arranger from 1994 to 1995. In 1997, Keezer became a member of bassist Ray Brown's trio. He toured the world with Brown, performing at clubs and major festivals in North America, Japan, Europe and the Middle East. The Ray Brown Trio played concerts with the Israel Philharmonic; the Radio Orchestra of Munich at the Weiner Konzerthaus and Conservatory in Vienna, Austria; and at Lincoln Center in New York City.

During the 1990s, he toured with The Key Players, featuring Mulgrew Miller, James Williams, Harold Mabern & Donald Brown;[9] a performance of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra;[10] a concert with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet at London's Albert Hall; a concert at Lincoln Center with Art Farmer and Wynton Marsalis; and performances with the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra, the Slide Hampton All-Stars, Dizzy Gillespie, J. J. Johnson and many others. He also traveled many times to Japan, where he played with Ray Brown Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny and Kenny Burrell.

His second album, Curveball, came out in 1990 and featured Victor Lewis on drums; Charnett Moffett on bass and Steve Nelson on vibes. He returned the next year with Here & Now (Somethin' Else, 1991); followed by World Music (DIW, 1992); Other Spheres (DIW, 1993); Trio (Sackville, 1995); a duet album with Harold Mabern called For Phineas (Sackville, 1996); and Turn Up the Quiet (Sony, 1997), which featured rising stars Diana Krall, Joshua Redman and Christian McBride. Keezer also appeared on many albums as a sideman.

2000s

[edit]

From 2000 to 2009 Keezer performed on keyboards and piano in the Christian McBride Band. The band toured North America, Europe and Japan. Keezer contributed original compositions and arrangement. Concurrently, starting in 2002, Keezer joined saxophonist Tim Garland's Storms/Nocturnes project.[11] The band played throughout the United Kingdom, including at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London; the Hollywell Music Room in Oxford; the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester; and at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. In 2004, Keezer traveled to Lima, Peru, to play with Maria Schneider. This visit to Peru would later provide the inspiration for his GRAMMY-nominated album Aurea.

The following year saw Keezer again touring the world, this time with saxophonist David Sanborn.[12] Then in 2007, Keezer began playing with Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Chris Botti, a relationship that continues to this day. That same year, Keezer received a grant from Chamber Music America to develop a new jazz work.[13] In 2009, Keezer joined the band of fellow Art Blakey alumnus Wayne Shorter, subbing for an injured Danilo Perez. Keezer played at the Playboy Jazz Festival and at festivals in Ottawa and Montreal as a member of the Wayne Shorter Quartet.[14]

His albums include the solo piano recording Zero One (Dreyfus, 2000), as well as Sublime: Honoring the Music of Hank Jones (Telarc, 2003), a series of duets with pianists Kenny Barron, Chick Corea, Benny Green and Mulgrew Miller. Other albums include Falling Up (Maxjazz, 2003) with Hawaiian slack key guitarist Keola Beamer; Free Association (ArtistShare, 2005) with guitarist Jim Hall; Wildcrafted: Live at the Dakota (MaxJazz, 2005); Live in Seattle (Origin, 2006); an album with Okinawan singer Yasukatsu Oshima; a collaboration with electronica artist Mary Acheta called The Near Forever (2009); and Áurea (ArtistShare, 2009), which was nominated for a 2009 Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album.[2]

2010–present

[edit]

In 2010, Keezer was nominated for his second Grammy Award, for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s), for the track "Don't Explain" on Denise Donatelli's When Lights Are Low. From 2012 to 2013, Keezer played concerts in Hawaii and across North America as part of the "Malama Ko Aloha" tour featuring Hawaiian slack-key guitarist Keola Beamer and native American flute player R. Carlos Nakai.[15]

Recordings from this period include Mill Creek Road (SBE, 2011); Via (Origin, 2011) with Joe Locke on vibes and Tim Garland on saxophone; Signing (Motéma, 2012) also with Locke; and his latest solo piano recording, Heart of the Piano (Motéma, 2013).

Since 2016, Keezer has frequently performed with his wife, vocalist Gillian Margot.[4][16][17][18][19]

Television

[edit]

Keezer appeared on German television in 1989 with Art Blakey. In 1995, he appeared on NBC's Today Show as part of the Terence Blanchard Quintet. In the late 1990s, he played on German, French and Swiss TV as a member of the Ray Brown Trio. In 2000, he joined Ingrid Jensen on BET's Jazz Central Station. Keezer appeared on Japan's NHK in 2005 during their coverage of that year's Tokyo Jazz Festival. In 2012, Keezer played on ABC's Good Morning America and The View in a band with Chris Botti and country star Vince Gill.[20]

Teaching

[edit]

Keezer is a jazz faculty member at the Juilliard School[21]

He has taught master classes at the Brubeck Institute, the Royal Academy of Music, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, The New School, the Stanford Jazz Workshop, Indiana University, Michigan State University, the Jazzschool, Jazz Aspen, the Amsterdam College for the Arts, the Guildhall School of Music and The Hartt School of Music.

He also has five online courses with the online jazz lessons platform, Open Studio, "Open During Construction", "Jazz Piano Essentials", "Keez to Jazz Piano", "Advanced Jazz Piano Concepts", and "Elements of Solo Piano" .[22]

Discography

[edit]

As leader/co-leader

[edit]
Year recorded Title Label Notes
1988 Waiting in the Wings Sunnyside With Bill Mobley (trumpet), Billy Pierce (soprano sax, tenor sax), Steve Nelson (vibraphone), Rufus Reid (bass), Tony Reedus (drums)[23]
1989 Curveball Sunnyside With Steve Nelson (vibraphone), Charnett Moffett (bass), Victor Lewis (drums)[23]
1990 Here & Now Blue Note With Donald Harrison (alto sax) Steve Nelson (vibraphone), Peter Washington (bass), Billy Higgins (drums)[23]
1992 World Music DIW With James Genus (bass), Tony Reedus (drums), Rudy Bird (percussion)[24]
1992 Other Spheres DIW With Bill Mobley (trumpet, flugelhorn), Billy Pierce (soprano sax, tenor sax), Bill Easley (alto sax, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet), Peter Bernstein (guitar), Steve Nelson (vibraphone, marimba), John Lockwood (bass), Leon Parker (drums), Rudy Bird (percussion), Jeanie Bryson (vocals)[24]
1993 Trio Sackville Trio, with Steve Nelson (vibraphone), Neil Swainson (bass)[25]
1995 For Phineas Sackville Duo, co-led with Harold Mabern (piano)[25]
1996? Turn Up the Quiet Sony with Joshua Redman (sax), Christian McBride (bass), Diana Krall (vocals)
1999? Zero One Dreyfus Solo piano[26]
2002 Sublime: Honoring the Music of Hank Jones Telarc Duo, with Kenny Barron, Chick Corea, Benny Green, Mulgrew Miller (piano; separately)[25]
2002–03 Falling Up Maxjazz With various[25]
2004 Wildcrafted: Live at the Dakota Maxjazz Trio, with Matt Clohesy (bass), Terreon Gully (drums); in concert[25]
2005? Free Association ArtistShare Duo, co-led with Jim Hall (guitar)
2006? Live in Seattle Origin Quartet, with Joe Locke (vibraphone), Mike Pope (bass), Terreon Gully (drums)
2009? Áurea ArtistShare Nominated for a 2009 Grammy award for "Best Latin Jazz Album"
2009? The Near Forever with Mary Ancheta
2011? Mill Creek Road SBE with Peter Sprague (guitar), Hamilton Price, and Duncan Moore
2011? Via Origin As Storms/Nocturnes; trio, with Tim Garland (sax), Joe Locke (vibraphone)
2012? Signing Motéma With Joe Locke (vibraphone), Mike Pope (electric bass, acoustic bass), Terreon Gully (drums)[27]
2013? Heart of the Piano Motéma Solo piano[28]
2018? On My Way to You MarKeez Some tracks trio, with Mike Pope (bass), Lee Pearson (drums); some tracks quartet, with Gillian Margot (vocals) added
2023 Live at Birdland MarKeez Trio, with John Patitucci (bass), Clarence Penn (drums); in concert[29]

As sideman

[edit]

With Art Blakey

With Ray Brown

  • Summertime: Ray Brown Trio with Ulf Wakenius (Telarc, 1997)[30]
  • Christmas Songs with The Ray Brown Trio (Telarc, 1999)[31]
  • Some of My Best Friends Are ... Piano Players (Telarc, 2000)[32]
  • Some of My Best Friends Are ... Trumpet Players (Telarc, 2000)[33]
  • Live At Starbucks (Telarc, 2001)
  • Some of My Best Friends Are ... Singers (Telarc, 2002)[34]
  • Some of My Best Friends Are ... Guitarists (Telarc, 2002)[35]
  • Walk On: The Final Ray Brown Trio Recording, and Previously Unreleased Recordings (Telarc, 2003)[36]

With Ronnie Cuber

  • The Scene is Clean (Milestone 1993)
  • Airplay (Steeplechase 1994)

With Art Farmer

With Ricky Ford

With Benny Golson

With Roy Hargrove

With Christian McBride

With Yasukatsu Oshima

  • Yasukatsu Oshima with Geoffrey Keezer (Sony Japan, 2007)

With Yvonnick Prené

  • Jobim's World (Sunnyside Records, 2024)[37]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Geoffrey Keezer

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Geoffrey Keezer (born November 20, 1970) is an American pianist, composer, arranger, and producer known for his technical brilliance and contributions to contemporary . Born in , to a musical family where both parents were educators, Keezer began studying at age three and was performing in local clubs as a teenager. He briefly attended before moving to in 1989, where at age 18 he became the final pianist for Art Blakey's , a pivotal ensemble. Keezer's career spans decades of collaborations with jazz luminaries, including Ray Brown, , , , , and , as well as recordings and tours that blend traditional with innovative arrangements. He has released over a dozen solo albums, such as Turn Up the Quiet (1998) featuring guests like Krall and , Sublime (2003) with piano duets alongside and Corea, Áurea (2009) exploring Afro-Peruvian influences, Heart of the Piano (2013), On My Way to You (2018), and Playdate (2023). His compositions have been commissioned by institutions including the Mainly Mozart Festival and Jazz Orchestra, and his music has appeared in films like and television series such as . Keezer has earned significant recognition, including a Grammy Award in 2023 for Best Instrumental Composition for "Refuge" from his album Playdate, along with four Grammy nominations overall, such as for Best Latin Jazz Album for Áurea in 2009 and production work with vocalist Denise Donatelli. He has also received a 2007 New Works grant from Chamber Music America and serves as faculty at , mentoring emerging musicians while continuing to perform and record, including a 2025 self-titled album with vocalist Gillian Margot.

Early life and education

Family and childhood

Geoffrey Keezer was born on November 20, 1970, in , into a deeply musical family that shaped his early artistic development. His mother, Mary Keezer, served as a music teacher specializing in and voice, and was one of the founding members of the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra, where she performed on . His father, Ronald Keezer, was a drummer and composer who taught classical percussion as of at the , also directing ensembles and contributing to the local scene. From a young age, Keezer was immersed in music through his parents' professions and their extensive record collection, which exposed him to jazz icons like and as early as kindergarten. He began lessons at age three under his family's guidance, initially influenced by his father's and the household's emphasis on . This environment fostered his innate interest in , blending classical foundations from his mother with the rhythmic and improvisational elements from his father. As a teenager, Keezer applied his skills by performing in local jazz clubs around Eau Claire, where he honed his abilities in live settings and developed a passion for ensemble playing. These formative experiences in a nurturing family context provided the groundwork for his transition to more structured musical education.

Musical training and Berklee

Keezer attended local schools in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, including Memorial High School, where he participated in music programs that nurtured his growing interest in jazz. At Memorial High School, he formed and led a band for three years that performed repertoire inspired by Art Blakey, honing his early ensemble skills and exposure to hard bop jazz structures. These programs, including jazz ensembles, provided a supportive environment for his development as a pianist, building on his childhood start with piano lessons at age three. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1988. In the fall of 1988, at age 18, Keezer enrolled at the in to study . During his one-year tenure there, he immersed himself in advanced coursework and ensembles, including the ensemble led by saxophonist , which emphasized collective improvisation and rhythmic precision. Key influences included faculty such as classical pianist Ed Bedner, who refined his technical foundation, and visiting mentor James Williams, whose harmonic approaches shaped Keezer's compositional style. He developed proficiency in advanced improvisation through rigorous transcription exercises of solos by artists like and , alongside ensemble playing that stressed interplay and swing dynamics. Keezer departed Berklee in 1989 after completing his first year, opting to pursue opportunities on the professional circuit in .

Recording and performing career

1990s

Geoffrey Keezer's professional recording career gained momentum in the early following his debut album Waiting in the Wings, recorded in 1989 and released on Sunnyside Records. This album marked his emergence as a , featuring a mix of original compositions and standards performed with a quartet including bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer . Tracks such as "" and "Pierce on Earth" showcased Keezer's budding compositional style, blending influences with melodic improvisation. The release established him as a promising young pianist in the New York scene, where he had relocated in 1989 after his time with . By the early 1990s, Keezer solidified his solo presence with subsequent recordings on major labels. His Blue Note debut, Here and Now (1991, Somethin' Else imprint), featured quintet and quartet configurations with musicians like vibraphonist Steve Nelson and saxophonist , highlighting energetic originals including "Leilani's Mirror" and "Headed Off at the Pass." This was followed by (1992, DIW/Columbia), a trio effort with bassist Peter Washington and drummer , which delved deeper into his compositional voice through pieces like "Virgin Madras" and a reprise of "Accra," emphasizing rhythmic complexity and global elements. His Blue Note release Turn Up the Quiet (1998) featured guest appearances by and , blending originals and standards. These albums demonstrated Keezer's growth in crafting original standards that balanced accessibility with technical sophistication. Throughout the decade, Keezer balanced studio work with extensive live performances, transitioning firmly into leader roles by the mid-1990s. He undertook solo tours and club gigs in New York venues like the and , as well as European festivals and clubs, where his quartet and trio formats allowed for spontaneous exploration of his repertoire. This period saw him performing original material in intimate settings, fostering his reputation as a versatile capable of leading diverse ensembles. By 1996, with releases like gaining critical notice, Keezer had shifted predominantly from sideman duties to fronting his own groups, laying the groundwork for broader international recognition.

2000s

In the 2000s, Geoffrey Keezer solidified his mid-career trajectory as a versatile , releasing a series of s that showcased his evolving style while balancing sideman duties with Christian McBride's band, which toured extensively across , , and . Building on his solo foundations from the , Keezer's recordings during this decade emphasized innovative textures and formats, including the introspective solo Zero One (Dreyfus, 2000), which highlighted his command of acoustic and sampled sounds in original compositions. He followed with Storms/Nocturnes (Sunnyside, 2002), a collaborative with vibraphonist and saxophonist Tim Garland, exploring dynamic interplay in standards and originals during live and studio settings. Keezer's work increasingly incorporated fusions of with Latin and influences, evident in albums like Wildcrafted: Live at the Dakota (Maxjazz, 2005), a trio performance capturing his fluid improvisations at the renowned Minneapolis venue, and culminating in Áurea (ArtistShare, 2008), which blended American with Afro-Peruvian and Argentinian folk traditions through intricate arrangements of traditional tunes. Áurea earned a 2009 Grammy nomination for Best Album, underscoring Keezer's ability to merge cultural elements seamlessly while maintaining 's improvisational core. Throughout the decade, Keezer honed his skills in piano trio formats during live performances, as seen in the energetic trio recordings on Wildcrafted, where he navigated complex rhythms with bassist Matt Clohesy and drummer Terreon Gully. This period also marked his growing reputation as an arranger and producer of his own projects, evident in the meticulous production of Sublime: Honoring the Music of (Telarc, 2003), featuring piano duets with , , Benny Green, and Mulgrew Miller that paid tribute through reimagined standards, and his self-produced explorations in Áurea, where he orchestrated ensembles to evoke global sonorities.

2010s

In the 2010s, Geoffrey Keezer maintained a dynamic presence in the scene through a series of innovative recordings and live performances that showcased his evolving artistry. His solo Heart of the Piano, released in 2013 on Motéma Music, marked a return to unaccompanied after a 13-year hiatus, emphasizing intimate, interactive explorations of , , and . The record features ten tracks blending originals like "New York" and "Still" with reinterpreted covers of songs by ("Come Talk to Me"), Rush (""), and (""), demonstrating Keezer's technical prowess and ability to infuse contemporary with pop sensibilities. Critics lauded the for its classy execution and rhythmic vitality, solidifying Keezer's reputation as a versatile soloist. Keezer's output continued with the trio album On My Way to You in 2018 on his own MarKeez Records, featuring bassist Mike Pope and drummer , alongside guest vocalist Gillian Margot on five tracks. This release highlights educational undertones through its thematic focus on personal growth and musical dialogue, incorporating three new Keezer compositions amid reimaginings of works by ("You and I"), ("May This Be Love"), and ("Teo"). The album's emphasis on accessible yet sophisticated arrangements reflects Keezer's commitment to bridging traditions with broader audiences, earning acclaim for its fresh takes on familiar material. Throughout the decade, Keezer engaged in extensive touring across the United States and Europe, performing at major venues and festivals while building on his 2000s explorations of diverse genres through more personalized ensembles. Notable appearances included a 2011 all-star concert in La Jolla, California, and a 2010 collaborative performance in London with Tim Garland and Joe Locke. His schedule encompassed residencies and series like the KSDS 88.3 JazzLive in San Diego, where he presented material from Heart of the Piano. Keezer increasingly incorporated technology into his live work, employing keyboards and live sampling techniques to layer sounds and expand improvisational possibilities during concerts. Concerts during this period placed a stronger emphasis on Keezer's original , with sets often centering commissioned pieces and album tracks that highlighted his compositional depth, as evidenced in live trio renditions of tunes like "Tea and Watercolors" from 2010 performances. This shift underscored his rising acclaim as a , fostering interactive experiences that connected with audiences through groove-oriented originals and spontaneous arrangements.

2020s

In the early 2020s, the significantly impacted Geoffrey Keezer's performing career, prompting adaptations to virtual formats and remote collaborations. He participated in the virtual edition of the Brecon Jazz Festival in August 2020, delivering performances alongside artists like bassist as part of the online TW12 Festival organized by Mood Indigo Events. Additionally, Keezer offered online courses through Open Studio to maintain engagement with students during lockdowns. These efforts reflected broader community shifts toward digital platforms amid venue closures. Keezer's compositional work during this period gained major recognition in 2023 when he won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition for "Refuge," a track from his independently released album Playdate (2022). The piece, featuring a and arrangement, was recorded remotely with collaborators including Shedrick Mitchell on , Ron Blake on , Richie Goods on bass, and Kendrick Scott on , showcasing resilience in the face of restrictions. This marked his first Grammy victory after four prior nominations. In 2023, Keezer returned to live recording with his trio featuring bassist and drummer Clarence Penn, capturing performances at New York City's Birdland Theater on September 8–10. The resulting album, Live at Birdland (released August 2024 on his MarKeez Records label), marked his first live trio release in over 15 years and paid homage to influences like and through imaginative arrangements of standards and originals such as "High Wire–The Aerialist" and "Song of the Canopy." Keezer continued exploring collaborative projects with the 2024 release of Jobim’s World alongside harmonica player Yvonnick Prené on Sunnyside Records. The duo album reinterpreted nine compositions by Antonio Carlos Jobim, including "Triste" and "Proezas de Solon," blending Prené's distinctive harmonica tones with Keezer's lyrical piano in a nod to traditions. In 2025, Keezer and vocalist Gillian Margot—his spouse and long-term musical partner—issued their self-titled debut duo album on May 23 via MarKeez Records, recorded at Brooklyn's Studio in December 2024. The intimate collection featured reimagined standards like "Lush Life" and "Blame It on My Youth," alongside works by , , and , highlighting their spontaneous chemistry after over a decade of joint performances. Keezer maintained an active touring schedule post-pandemic, including a 2025 residency with his trio—featuring bassist and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts—at Birdland Theater from September 12–14. He also performed gigs that month, headlining at Ronnie Scott's in on September 3.

Collaborations

With Art Blakey

Geoffrey Keezer joined 's in September 1989 at the age of 18, shortly after completing his first year at the , on the recommendation of the band's previous pianist, Benny Green. This opportunity marked Keezer's entry into professional performance as the final pianist in the ensemble before Blakey's death in 1990. During his tenure from 1989 to 1990, Keezer participated in extensive tours with across the , , and , performing in venues that included major festivals and clubs. These tours exposed him to diverse audiences and honed his stage presence within the band's dynamic framework. He contributed to the group's final studio album, One for All (1990), where his work featured on tracks such as his composition "Accidentally Yours," showcasing his emerging compositional voice alongside the ensemble's collective . Keezer's time with Blakey was instrumental in mastering the style, characterized by its energetic rhythms, blues-infused melodies, and interactive solos, which defined ' sound and suited Keezer's budding talents as a hard bop pianist. Under Blakey's mentorship, he absorbed lessons in , pianistic technique, and band leadership, including practical guidance on soloing—such as being left alone on stage at set's end to develop confidence and skills. Blakey emphasized life lessons alongside music, fostering a sense of ensemble and resilience that influenced Keezer's approach to . This formative period profoundly shaped Keezer's technique, refining his touch, phrasing, and ability to navigate complex harmonic terrain in live settings, while launching his career by providing immediate credibility and connections in the world. The experience with Blakey propelled Keezer toward his early solo recordings and further opportunities in the early 1990s.

Other key partnerships

In the , Geoffrey Keezer embarked on extensive tours across the and as part of "The Three Musicians," a featuring saxophonist and bassist , showcasing his early versatility in small-group settings. He also toured with saxophonist during this period, serving as a in Golson's ensembles and contributing to live performances that highlighted Keezer's supportive yet inventive piano work. These partnerships built on his prior experience, allowing Keezer to refine his ensemble playing amid luminaries. Keezer joined the Ray Brown Trio in 1995, performing alongside bassist Ray Brown and drummer Gregory Hutchinson on international tours, including a notable appearance at the Umbria Jazz Festival in 1995 where the group delivered swinging standards like "Summertime." The trio's late-1990s output included live recordings such as (1999), captured during a Seattle performance with drummer , emphasizing Brown's robust bass lines complemented by Keezer's fluid accompaniment and solos. Additional studio efforts like Summertime (1998) and Walk On (2000) on Telarc further documented their cohesive interplay, with Keezer's role evolving from rhythmic anchor to featured improviser. Extending into the 2000s, Keezer's collaborations deepened with McBride, joining the Christian McBride Band from 2000 to 2009 as keyboardist and pianist in a plugged-in quartet alongside saxophonist Ron Blake and drummer Terreon Gully. The band toured , , and , releasing live recordings like Live at Tonic (2006) from New York performances, where Keezer's arrangements of tracks such as McBride's "Lullaby for a Ladybug" added textural depth to the electric sound. Similarly, he toured with trumpeter starting in 2007, contributing to ensembles for about a decade and appearing on live dates like the 2017 Orpheum Theater show in , blending Keezer's harmonic sophistication with Botti's melodic flair. More recently, Keezer has toured with saxophonist in quartet settings, including performances at venues like Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, where his work supported Sanborn's soulful lines in and club appearances. In the 2020s, Keezer continued collaborations with , including appearances at Botti at Sea in 2025, and formed partnerships with vocalist Gillian Margot for duo performances and recordings, as well as the "Mezzo" tour with saxophonist Tim Garland starting in 2024. Across these partnerships, Keezer's contributions progressed from ensemble player—providing solid foundations in trios like Ray Brown's—to co-arranger, as seen in his custom charts for the McBride Band's Vertical Vision (2003) and ongoing Botti collaborations, reflecting his growing influence in shaping group dynamics.

Compositions and awards

Notable compositions

Geoffrey Keezer's compositional style has evolved from the foundations of his early career, influenced by his time with Art Blakey's , toward more expansive contemporary incorporating global folk traditions and innovative ensemble arrangements. His works often fuse rhythmic complexities from Afro-Peruvian and Hawaiian sources with , reflecting a shift from straight-ahead to textured, narrative-driven pieces that emphasize cultural synthesis. A pinnacle of this evolution is Keezer's "Refuge," a dynamic composition featured on his 2022 album Playdate, which earned him a 2023 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition. The piece exemplifies his mature arranging prowess, scored for , , guitar, bass, and , creating a layered that balances with forward momentum. Keezer's 2009 album Áurea showcases his skill in blending with South American folk elements, particularly Afro-Peruvian and Argentinian rhythms, through originals like "Cayendo Para Arriba" and "Una Bruja Buena." These compositions integrate syncopated percussion and modal melodies with improvisational structures, highlighting his arranging techniques for larger ensembles that evoke a sense of communal . The album's fusion approach earned a Grammy nomination for Best Album, underscoring Keezer's ability to weave influences into cohesive narratives. In contrast, Keezer's originals on the 2013 solo piano album Heart of the Piano demonstrate a stripped-down, intimate side of his writing, with pieces like "New York" and "Still" emphasizing melodic clarity and rhythmic vitality to spotlight personal expression. These works prioritize groove and emotional depth over complexity, marking a contemplative phase in his oeuvre that bridges his roots with modern soloistic innovation. Keezer's arranging techniques extend to commissions for diverse ensembles, such as the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Orchestra, where he incorporates fusions through subtle harmonic voicings and polyrhythmic overlays. This approach allows for fluid transitions between and global textures, as seen in his productions for vocalist Denise Donatelli, which garnered multiple Grammy nominations for their orchestral depth.

Awards and nominations

Geoffrey Keezer's Grammy accolades span over a decade, beginning with his album Áurea, released in 2009 and nominated for Best Latin Jazz Album at the in 2010. This nomination highlighted his innovative fusion of and Latin elements, coming shortly after the album's release on ArtistShare. In 2010, Keezer contributed arrangements to vocalist Denise Donatelli's album When Lights Are Low, which earned a nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the in 2011; Keezer himself was nominated in the Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) category for the track "Don't Explain." The project marked one of three Grammy-nominated recordings he produced and arranged for Donatelli, underscoring his growing influence as an arranger. Keezer received another nomination in 2020 at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals for his arrangement of "Jolene" on Sara Gazarek's album Thirsty Ghost (2019). This recognition followed the album's release in 2019 and affirmed his versatility in vocal jazz arrangements. His first Grammy win arrived in 2023 at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Instrumental Composition for "Refuge," a track from his 2022 album Playdate on MarKeez Records. The composition, inspired by themes of sanctuary, came after years of nominations and elevated Keezer's profile as a composer. Beyond Grammys, Keezer received a 2007 New Works grant from Chamber Music America. He has also earned other honors, including album selections as DownBeat Critics' Choice, such as Panorama: Live at the Village Vanguard in 2002, and consistent recognition in jazz polls for his pianistic contributions across various years. These awards have enhanced his career visibility, leading to expanded teaching roles at institutions like and increased collaborative opportunities with leading artists.

Teaching and mentorship

Academic faculty roles

Geoffrey Keezer has served as jazz piano faculty in the College division at The since the 2010s, where he continues to teach as of 2025. In this capacity, he teaches and . Keezer's teaching at Juilliard draws on his extensive professional experience in . In 2024, he shared reflections on challenges in jazz education via , discussing student preparation and performance standards. Additionally, Keezer held adjunct faculty positions in jazz studies at during the early 2020s, contributing to its performance-oriented program through instruction and student guidance.

Workshops and online programs

Geoffrey Keezer has conducted master classes at various institutions, including the Brubeck Institute and the Royal Academy of Music in , where he shares insights on improvisation and performance techniques. These sessions emphasize practical application of advanced concepts, drawing from his extensive experience as a performer and educator. In addition to in-person teaching, Keezer offers online courses through Open Studio, a platform dedicated to . His programs, such as Keez to Jazz Piano and Elements of Solo Piano, focus on techniques like navigating chord changes and developing solo strategies, making complex ideas accessible to intermediate and advanced learners. Other courses, including Advanced Jazz Piano Concepts and Jazz Piano Essentials, cover dynamics, two-handed playing, and common player challenges, with video lessons and downloadable materials. Keezer has also participated in residencies at organizations like the Stanford Jazz Workshop, serving as a visiting in their Jazz Mentor Fellowship Program to guide emerging musicians in ensemble playing and creative development. These efforts highlight his commitment to broadening jazz education beyond traditional academic settings, reaching global audiences through flexible formats that accommodate diverse schedules and locations. Post-2020, Keezer expanded his virtual offerings amid the shift to online learning, with updated courses like Jazz Piano Essentials launched in 2022 to address improvisation and arrangement in a digital environment, further enhancing accessibility for international students.

Media appearances

Television features

Keezer's notable television feature occurred in 1989 when he performed with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers at the Leverkusen Jazz Festival in Germany. The concert, celebrating Blakey's 70th birthday, was recorded live by the German television station ZDF for its "Jazz Club" program and broadcast to a national audience, highlighting Keezer's emerging role as the band's pianist at age 18. This performance, featuring tracks like "Moanin'" and "A Night in Tunisia," captured the high-energy interplay of the group and introduced Keezer's sophisticated harmonic approach to a broader European viewership. The recording was later issued as the album The Art of Jazz: Live in Leverkusen on In + Out Records. In 1995, Keezer appeared on NBC's Today Show as part of the Quintet. In 2023, as Michigan State University's , he performed on the local news program The Nine. Television has been instrumental in broadening Keezer's audience reach, transforming intimate performances into accessible broadcasts that attract non-traditional listeners and underscore the genre's enduring vitality. By featuring on morning shows and specials, Keezer not only promoted his but also highlighted education initiatives, inspiring younger musicians through visual demonstrations of technique and .

Interviews and public engagements

Geoffrey Keezer has given numerous interviews to jazz publications throughout his career, spanning from the to the 2020s, often reflecting on his early experiences with and his compositional process. In a 2022 DownBeat feature, Keezer discussed his album Playdate, emphasizing collaborative with a diverse ensemble of virtuosos. Earlier profiles in the magazine explored his influences from and the evolution of his melodic style. These print engagements frequently highlighted Keezer's commitment to blending technical precision with emotional accessibility in jazz, making complex harmonies approachable for broader audiences. Keezer has appeared on several s, where he delves into his compositions and the improvisational of . In a 2017 interview on Ethan Iverson's DO THE M@TH, conducted during a Blue Note jazz cruise, Keezer recounted his early synthesizer experiments influenced by and , underscoring how classical training enhanced his accessibility by providing a solid technical foundation. He joined hosts Peter Martin and Adam Maness on the You'll Hear It in 2020 to share his seven favorite solo tracks, discussing choices that prioritize listener engagement over abstraction. A 2022 episode of Straight No Chaser Jazz featured Keezer reflecting on his role as a , stressing the importance of generous mentorship to democratize . At jazz festivals, Keezer has participated in public talks on the genre's evolution, drawing from his decades-spanning collaborations. During the 2014 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival's "Meet the Artist" session, he addressed how influences from Blakey to modern ensembles have shaped jazz's adaptive growth, advocating for inclusive dialogues between tradition and innovation. Similar discussions at the 2020 virtual Burlington ReDiscover Jazz Festival explored the pianist's journey from prodigy to educator, emphasizing jazz's enduring relevance through accessible storytelling. In 2025, Keezer's engagements focused on promoting his self-titled duo album with vocalist , released May 23 via MarKeez Records, which reimagines standards like "Lush Life" in intimate voice-piano settings. A February interview with celebrated the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra's 50th anniversary, where Keezer previewed a new premiere work and discussed 's role in community outreach. In June, a Neon Jazz appearance with Margot highlighted the album's spontaneous chemistry, reinforcing themes of emotional accessibility in contemporary duets. These promotions, including live dates across the U.S., continued Keezer's advocacy for making welcoming to new generations through heartfelt, unpretentious expression.

Discography

As leader or co-leader

Keezer's debut as a leader, Waiting in the Wings, was released in 1989 on Sunnyside Records in both vinyl and CD formats. Recorded in September 1988, it features Keezer on alongside a ensemble including trumpeter Bill Mobley, saxophonist Steve Wilson, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Jeff Ballard. The received positive early acclaim for its bright delivery and promise as a young pianist's statement. His follow-up, , appeared in 1992 on DIW Records as a . As a trio effort with bassist James Genus and drummer Tony Reedus, it showcases Keezer's swinging modern mainstream style through originals and standards, earning a strong 9/10 rating for its cohesive energy. , released in 1991 on in format, captures Keezer leading quartets and quintets. Key personnel include on , Steve Nelson on , Peter Washington on bass, and on drums, blending with contemporary flair across tracks like "Turning Point." The recording garnered high praise, with a 9/10 rating for its dynamic interplay and Higgins' influential presence. Keezer continued releasing leader albums through the and , including Curveball (1997, ), featuring a quintet with Steve Wilson and Brian Lynch; and Turn Up the Quiet (1998, Owl), with guests like and . Sublime (2003, Chesky), a piano duet album, includes collaborations with and . Áurea emerged in 2009 on ArtistShare as a CD, nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Album. This innovative fusion of Afro-Peruvian and Argentinian folkloric elements features Keezer on and Rhodes, with Steve Wilson and Ron Blake on saxophones, Sofia Rei on vocals, Dan Blake on tenor saxophone, Phil O'Connor on bass clarinet, Lionel Cordisco on guitar, Reuben Rogers on bass, Luisito Quintero on percussion, and Terreon Gully on drums. Critics lauded its groundbreaking arrangements and cultural depth. Heart of the Piano (2013), Keezer's first solo piano in over a decade on Motema Music in CD and digital formats, redefines the form through interactive melody and energy. Performed entirely by Keezer, it emphasizes personal expression across originals and standards, receiving acclaim for its technical facility and classiness, though noted as polite in execution, with a 3.8/5 score. On My Way to You (2018), issued on Keezer's MarKeez label in digital and CD formats, returns to trio format with guest vocals. Keezer leads on , joined by Mike on bass, Lee on drums, and Gillian Margot on vocals for select tracks like "You Stay With Me," blending standards and originals in a modal, intimate style. Refuge (2023), on MarKeez Records, includes the composition "Refuge," which won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition in 2023. Playdate (2023), also on MarKeez, features trio performances with various guests. Live at Birdland (2024), a live trio recording on MarKeez in digital and CD formats, captures performances from September 2023 at New York City's Birdland Theater. Featuring Keezer on , John on acoustic and electric basses, and Clarence Penn on drums, it pays homage to and [Chick Corea](/page/Chick Corea) through reimagined tunes like "Flagships," praised for its sensitive, daring mood shifts and solid support—marking Keezer's first live trio release in over 15 years. As co-leader, Jobim's World (2024) with harmonica player Yvonnick Prené was released on Sunnyside Records in digital and CD formats, exploring Antonio Carlos Jobim's catalog in a duo setting. Keezer on complements Prené's across tracks like "Triste," delivering imaginative, powerful arrangements that evoke Brazilian roots with innovation. The self-titled duo album Gillian Margot & Geoffrey Keezer (2025), co-led with vocalist Gillian Margot on MarKeez Records in digital and CD formats, was recorded in December 2024 at Brooklyn's Bunker Studio. Featuring Margot on voice and Keezer on , it offers reverent reimaginings of standards such as "Lush Life" and "The Peacocks," alongside originals, celebrated for its sublime empathy and marital musical synergy.

As sideman

Geoffrey Keezer began his recording career as a in the late 1980s, contributing to several influential ensembles. His early work with & the marked a significant entry into the professional scene, where he provided rhythmic and melodic support on tracks. In 1990, Keezer appeared on two albums with & the : One for All (A&M ), featuring his on compositions like the title track, and Chippin' In (Timeless Records), where he delivered notable solos amid the group's energetic interplay. During the late 1990s, Keezer joined the Ray Brown Trio, recording multiple sessions that highlighted his swing-era proficiency and blues-inflected phrasing. Key releases include Summertime (Telarc, 1998) with guitarist Ulf Wakenius, where Keezer's anchored standards like the title track; Christmas Songs with the Ray Brown Trio (Telarc, 1999); Some of My Best Friends Are... Singers (Telarc, 1998); Some of My Best Friends Are... The Trumpet Players (Telarc, 2000); Walk On (Telarc, 2000); and Some of My Best Friends Are... Guitarists (Telarc, 2002). On these, Keezer often took extended solos, such as on "Seven Steps to Heaven" from Walk On. In the 2000s, Keezer contributed to projects with , including Vertical Vision (Warner Bros., 2003), where his keyboard work complemented the band's fusion elements on tracks like "Lejos de Ti," and Live at Tonic (Ropeadope, 2006), capturing live energy with piano-driven improvisations. Keezer's recordings extended into diverse genres in later years. He played on Sting & Shaggy's 44/876 (Interscope, 2018), blending with on cuts like "Morning Is Coming." More recently, in 2025, he featured prominently on Mike Pope's The Parts You Keep (Origin Records), delivering a driving melody and solo on the opening track "Misgivings," which sets a tone for the album.

References

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