Recently nominated for a Grammy in recognition of his work on Terence Blanchard’s “Breathless”, Fabian Almazan, pianist and composer, found his musical roots in Havana, where he was born. Conchita Betancourt, a pianist, was able to give free lessons to Fabian for more than three years, even though his parents couldn’t afford private lessons. Fabian was granted the opportunity to audition for the New World School of the Arts High School, Miami, FL, thanks to Mrs. Betancourt’s extraordinary generosity. Fabian studied at the school from 1998 to 2002. Fabian was awarded the National 2002 Grammy High School Jazz Combo piano chair. Almazan attended the new Brubeck Institute fellowship program in northern California. He studied with Mark Levine, performed with Dave Brubeck, and performed with Christian McBride. Fabian moved to New York City in 2003 to study at the Manhattan School of Music with Kenny Barron. Almazan studied instrumentation and orchestration under Mr. Giampaolo Brancali while completing his bachelor’s degree. Almazan wrote several pieces for chamber and orchestra ensembles under the guidance of Mr. Bracali. Fabian Almazan, a 2009 graduate of Manhattan School of Music, was awarded the Michael W. Greene scholarship. He studied privately with Jason Moran. Fabian is a composer of many film scores. He can be heard in several Spike Lee films, George Luca’s Red Tails and other films. Fabian was recently selected to take part in the SWR New Jazz Meetings, which took place in Germany. According to the Downbeat Magazine Critics 2014 Poll, Mr. Almazan was named the #1 Rising Piano Star and was awarded the Chamber Music America 2014 NEW Jazz Works Commission. Almazan was awarded the Cintas Foundation 2010/11 Brandon Fradd Music Composition Award. This award is given to many Cuban artists that have played an important role in developing Cuba’s cultural heritage. Almazan was also chosen to be one of six composers who participated in the Sundance Music Composers Lab, where he studied alongside such film composers like Harry Gregson-Williams and Alan Silvestri, George S. Clinton. Christopher Young, Ed Shearmur, Peter Golub, and Christopher Young. His solo albums, Personalities, which Fabian Almazan released on his own record label, Biophilia Records, and Rhizome [AritstShare/BlueNote Records] have garnered nationwide critical acclaim, including a glowing review in The New York Times. His performances at the Village Vanguard in New York City sparked interest in Almazan’s music. These performances were broadcast live to a national audience via National Public Radio’s “Live from the Village Vanguard” program. Fabian has been the pianist of Terence Blanchard’s bands since 2007, including the E-Collective, which was nominated in 2016 for a GRAMMY. From www.fabianalmazan.com from www.fabianalmazan.com
