Olaf Polziehn

BIO

Olaf Polziehn has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most soughtafter jazz pianists. As a soloist or as an accompanist he is equally hailed for his brilliant technique but also for is elegant style which is sophisticated, laid back and always with great taste. Evidence of this includes his work as musical director for Patti Austin in Europe and being part of Germanys Jazz Icon Till Brönners live band concerts, recordings and TV appearances with musicians such as Take 6, Patti Austin, Randy Brecker, Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, Al Foster, Bobby Durham, Benny Golson, Scott Hamilton, Horacio “El Negro” Hernández, and many others. Pianist Monty Alexander wrote: “Olaf is in possession of outstanding piano technique and a wondrous touch.”

And Bob Mintzer remarked: “Olaf Polziehn is a terrific pianist! He draws upon the tradition and then takes the music to interesting new places, always with a keen sense of taste and style. He makes everyone in the band sound good and is a great conversationalist. All the ingredients for a great piano player!”

Olaf Polziehn is professor for jazz piano at the University of Music and Performing Art sin Graz, Austria since 2008.