 Joanne
Brackeen is one of jazz's most prized possessions: a virtuoso pianist
and master composer who epitomizes the history and evolution of jazz
from traditional to free, and everything in between; all with a
contemporary edge. Born in Southern California, she was drawn to the
sound of the piano from the age of five, but did not begin formal
studies until nine. She was given a conservatory education, but balked
at the repertoire and regimentation, because what
she was hearing in her head and on the radio was not
taught.
The pull toward
jazz was irresistible and she began jamming at an early age. Joanne's
unique sound was honed through a period of apprenticeship with some of
the world's greatest names on the West Coast - playing with the likes of
Dexter Gordon, Harold Land, Bobby Hutcherson and Billy Higgins - before
moving to New York after marrying saxophonist Charles Brackeen, where
she began to command the attention of the upper echelon of jazz players
and played with Woody Shaw and Dave Liebman while raising four children.
She became one of
the most lauded pianists of the day, working for several years with Art
Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, then with two major saxophonists: Joe
Henderson for three years followed by two years with Stan Getz. Joanne
has been at the forefront of new music, recording over 20 albums as a
leader with some of the most respected musicians in jazz including Jack
DeJohnette, Billy Hart, and Eddie Gomez. Her playful and complex sense
of time, rhythm and mood permeates her repertoire, which now numbers
close to 300 original compositions, 100 of which have been recorded.
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Joanne Bracken
