Noah Haidu

Pianist and composer Noah Haidu is evidence that 21st century jazz can be adventurous, fresh and swing hard; that an exciting, modern pianist can play memorable melodies and soulful grooves. Jazzwise described Noah as “Unquestionably one of the most confident and impressive of all the new pianists…an important new talent.” Downbeat called his music “beautifully wrought” and All About Jazz said simply “the cat can play his butt off.”

In 2011 his powerful Posi-Tone Records CD SLIPSTREAM garnered glowing reviews and impressive radio play: write-ups in the Financial Times, Jazztimes, Downbeat, Icon Magazine and countless others as well as 8 weeks in the top 50 national jazz radio charts. The largest jazz website Allaboutjazz.com published an extensive interview/feature article about Noah, one of four cover stories on the site which featured Noah alongside Brad Meldhau and Paul Motian. Noah’s feature was one of Allaboutjazz’s most widely read articles.

Even as tracks from SLIPSTREAM remained in heavy rotation on satellite radio and cable jazz channels Noah’s next recording was released, the aptly titled MOMENTUM (Posi-Tone Records, 2013). MOMENTUM lived up to its name as Noah performed to packed crowds in Washington DC, New York City, Boston, and other cities. The Noah Haidu Quintet thrilled audiences at the 2013 Silver Spring Jazz Festival where Noah shared the bill with the Branford Marsalis Quartet. Noah’s performance was filmed and broadcast as an hour-long TV special featuring Noah’s group. A few days later Noah’s trio received a standing ovation after a sold-out concert in Phippsburg, Maine. The tour wrapped up with a performance at New York City’s famed Birdland. Stellar reviews continued: “…the artful finesse of a Silver or a Herbie Hancock…Noah Haidu is accessible, intelligent and a master at his art.”(Critical Jazz).

One of New York’s leading young jazz pianists, Noah combines new rhythmic ideas, harmonic sophistication, spontaneity, soul, and swing into his own unique approach. He first gained the attention of the jazz world through live appearances and recordings with heavyweights such as Mike Stern, Jeremy Pelt, Ambrose Akinmusire, Benny Golson, Jon Irabagon, Vincent Herring, Eddie Henderson, Billy Hart, Duane Eubanks, and Winard Harper. He has played at the top venues in New York including The Blue Note and Jazz at Lincoln Center, and in numerous cities abroad from Oslo, to Istanbul, to Guayachill, Ecuador.

In every setting Noah’s artistry and vision stand out. His quintet features two important artists in today’s jazz scene: trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and saxophonist Jon Irabagon. The collaboration was described in JazzTimes: “With jazz luminaries like trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and alto saxophonist Jon Irabagon gracing the band as part of a core quintet rising above their powerful performance is quite an accomplishment and Haidu does just that.” An earlier CD release “HERE, THERE…” featured Haidu performing as a guest sideman along with legendary guitarist Mike Stern. Here again Noah’s outstanding playing commands attention: “The song has a mellow beginning, aided by (Mike) Stern’s haunting guitar work, but when Haidu steps up, the mood changes and the fury picks up.” (Allaboutjazz.com)

Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, Noah was exposed early on to all kinds of music: classical, avant-garde, rock, and jazz. His high school years were spent in New Jersey and Los Angeles, where he was increasingly drawn to jazz and blues piano. His father, an avid music fan, took him to countless concerts, lessons, band rehearsals and his first jazz shows.

After graduating, Noah entered the Jazz Program at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. But Noah soon relocated to Brooklyn, New York, eager to begin working in the heart of the music scene. It wasn’t long before he was playing gigs with his trio, backing up singers and horn players, even playing keyboards with hip-hop and funk groups. Though he was constantly performing Noah continued to challenge himself by composing his own music and developing his unique approach to the piano. His mentors included Bill Charlap, Kenny Barron, Bruce Barth, Barry Harris, and David Hazeltine. Noah completed his BFA at the New School University and Master of Music degree at The State University of New York. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. Show less