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Joe Utterback (1944), jazz pianist and composer, native of Kansas,
has performed in concert throughout the United States and Europe.
His jazz-influenced
compositions reflect the energy, color, and moods of his jazz piano improvisations and
formal classical training.
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The idiom is tonal, the melodies vocal in nature.
Utterback draws on jazz and blues traditions, Romantic and Impressionist colors, and,
at times, gospel styles. His style has been highly influenced by Bill Evans, Oscar
Peterson, Art Tatum, and Erroll Garner. He also includes among his favorite influential
jazz musicians Sarah Vaughan and Charlie Parker. Joe's compositions reflect these
influences; they also evidence a highly unique personal style.
Joe composes for solo piano, organ, chorus, harpsichord, vocal solo, piano and organ duet,
instrumental ensembles, and student jazz piano. His works are published
exclusively by Jazzmuze, Inc., (732)747-5227.
Commissions have come regularly from both sides of the Atlantic: from vocal soloists,
choirs, opera singers, concert pianists, harpsichordists, instrumentalists, organists,
and fans interested in celebrating special events in their lives?weddings, anniversaries,
birthdays, etc. Utterback's student piano compositions have been selected for performance
lists of state and regional piano competitions.
The composer's compositions have been premiered in such venues as London's Wigmore Hall,
the Salzburg Mozarteum, Madrid's Teatro Nacional, Austrian castles, the Dayton Art Museum,
Princeton and Harvard Universities, New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral, and
London's Westminster Cathedral, among others.
The composer holds degrees from Wichita State University and a Doctor of Musical Arts
from the University of Kansas, Lawrence. His piano works have been recorded by David Allen
Wehr, his organ music by Dr. Andrew Shenton, and his piano and organ duets by the Canadian Duo Majoya.
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