Javier Santiago is a pianist of the new millenium. His music appeals to all ages, backgrounds and genders. Santiago is an artist visionary who preserves the traditions of music and pushes forward with new technology, sounds, and concepts. Although the piano has always been his primary medium of expression and composition, his music includes all instruments, including big bands, string quartets, and the acoustic trio, as well as hip-hop beats that incorporate synthesizers, keyboards, and other electronic devices. He was born and raised in Minneapolis (MN) and grew up in the tight-knit Twin Cities community and rich legacy that musicians have left. This community was important to Santiago’s parents. Santiago began playing piano when he was five years old. He was classically trained and discovered jazz music at age 11. He was an active player in the Twin Cities’ music scene during high school. He began composing music and learning how to produce it. He also formed his own quintet, and recorded two albums. He was also the Schubert Club Jazz Piano Competition winner two years running. Javier was chosen by Dave Brubeck and a panel of judging to participate in the Brubeck Institute Fellowship program at the University of the Pacific, California. Javier had the opportunity to study with some the most renowned musicians around the globe, including Robert Glasper and Joshua Redman. Javier had the opportunity to perform at many venues across the country while at the Brubeck institute, including the Detroit Jazz Festival, The Kennedy Center, Blues Alley (Washington, D.C.), IAJE, Yoshi’s Jazz Club, Oakland, CA. The Brubeck Institute Jazz Quartet (’08-’09) won Best College Group of the Year in DownBeat Magazine twice in a row (2009, 2010). Javier was invited to the 14th Annual Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program in 2011. The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. hosted the intensive residency program. Curtis Fuller and George Cables were among the faculty. Winard Harper and Dr. Nathan Davis were also part of the group. The Brubeck Institute Jazz Quartet (’08-’09) won Best College Group of the Year in DownBeat Magazine twice in a row (2009, 2010). Javier was invited to the 14th Annual Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program in 2011. The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. hosted the intensive residency program. Javier studied there with George Cables and Winard Harper, as well as other jazz greats like Curtis Fuller and Dr. Nathan Davis. Javier earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Piano Performance at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, NYC in late 2011. He studied with many jazz legends such as Reggie Workman and George Cables. He played at many venues in NYC, including Smalls Jazz Club and 55 Bar, The Iridium, as well as other venues. He was also a finalist at the 2015 American Jazz Pianist Competition. Santiago released several beat tapes that showcased his music production abilities. In 2015, he independently released Year of the Horse, his debut EP of five songs all original compositions. The release was the end of Santiago’s 5-year NYC residency, during which he performed at many venues such as Smalls Jazz Club and 55 Bar. Santiago was awarded the McKnight Fellowship for Musicians in 2016. He recorded his debut LP, Phoenix, with a sextet that included his old east coast trio of drummer Corey Fonville (bassist Zach Brown) and guitarist Nir Felder (saxophonists Dayna Stevens and Ben Flocks). The album features guest trumpeter Nicholas Payton and John Raymond, as well as vocalist J. Hoard. Javier is a talented pianist and a prolific composer. His music is a mix of American music, from Jazz and Blues to Hip-Hop, Indie Rock, and World music. Javier is an educator, arranger, and producer. from www.javiersantiagomusic.com
