Kerry Politzer

Fans: 1,218

- Bio

Pianist/songwriter Kerry Politzer began playing piano at the age of four. She studied classical piano for fourteen years, attending the North Carolina School of the Arts and summer programs at Tanglewood and Interlochen. She entered the New England Conservatory of Music with the intention of continuing her classical studies, but fell in love with jazz after attending a concert in Keller Hall. She studied with jazz guru Charlie Banacos, who inspired her to begin composing, and graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Piano Performance. In 1996, Kerry was one of six finalists in the American Pianists Association’s 3rd Biennial Jazz Piano Competition. Half of the contestants were from New York City, so she decided to try her luck there. She soon discovered a brand-new love, Brazilian music, which began to inform her jazz compositions. Her composition “Rhodes Rage” won Third Prize, Jazz Category in the 2005 International Songwriting Competition. Her composition "Begin The Baião" won Third Prize, Jazz Category in the 2000 Mid-Atlantic Song Competition and an Honorable Mention in the 2000 John Lennon Songwriting Competition. In May of both 2003 and 2005, Kerry attended the Banff Jazz Workshop, performing original music in master classes, shows and concerts. Kerry’s debut CD, "Yearning", which received four stars from All Music Guide, was released by CAP Records in 2001. The title track, "Yearning," is also featured on "Sax And The City: Musical Contributions From New York's Best Women Jazz Instrumentalists" (Apria Records, 2004). Kerry released two more CDs, “Watercolor” (2002) and “Labyrinth” (2005), on her own Polisonic label. “Labyrinth” was a finalist for Best Jazz Album in the 2007 Independent Music Awards. In the past year, Kerry has taken a musical detour from her instrumental jazz roots. After participating in workshops held by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, she has been inspired to write songs with lyrics. Her just-released fourth album, “You Took Me In,” features these new songs with a full band including Lonnie Plaxico (Cassandra Wilson, Nellie McKay) and George Colligan, better known as a pianist, on trumpet, drums and synthesizer. Kerry has performed at Wave Hill, The Blue Note, Birdland, The Cutting Room, the Queen Elizabeth 2, the Columbus Jazz & Ribs Festival, Rockwood Music Hall, and the Kitano, among other venues. Kerry is a member of SESAC.

Latest bulletin 04.25.09

Hartford Baby Grand Jazz Series

Hi folks! If you happen to be in Hartford on Sunday, April 26 at 3 pm, I'm playing a solo set at the Hartford Public Library (500 Main Street) for their Baby Grand Jazz Series. Admission is free! Hope to see you there.

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New CD coming soon! Dec 18

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Mar 18, 11:00 AM

you are amazing
Feb 02, 07:35 PM

Great jazz. Look forward to seeing you live, when you can make it to Houston, TX.
Mark Hewer
Nov 11 2008, 03:49 AM

Hi Kerry, Great music! Greetings from Canada. Cheers:))) Mark
Jun 15 2008, 06:15 AM

i just added i like and i really like your music,i'd like to click on the show on the left...yeah perhaps if you come to europe...;-)
May 22 2008, 10:09 PM

i like your song!!! can hardly wait to see you become a big star.. hehe
Aug 13 2007, 12:46 PM

Just like a little tremble drop of emotion. I like your songs.
Aug 08 2007, 02:44 PM

I love jazz and this really is just somthing you want to sit and listen to. It's lovely!