Bill Charlap
Piano Virtuoso
Experience Bill Charlap live—his trio weaves velvet lyricism, swinging drive, and an intimate connection to the American Songbook that transforms every standard into a revelation. A concert by Charlap is a masterclass in taste, elegance, and timeless musical storytelling.
About
Bill Charlap (born October 15, 1966, New York City) is an American jazz pianist and educator known for his mastery of standards and his lyrical, swinging trio (with Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington on drums). He has performed with jazz icons including Tony Bennett, Gerry Mulligan, Phil Woods, and Wynton Marsalis, won a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Tony Bennett & Bill Charlap: The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern (2015/2016), and since 2015 directs the Jazz Studies Program at William Paterson University. He was also artistic director of the “Jazz in July” festival at 92NY from 2004 through 2023.
Music Style
Charlap’s style is steeped in post-bop swing and sensitive interpretations of the Great American Songbook—he brings out nuanced harmonies, tasteful voicings, and emotional depth in each phrase. Whether in trio settings or piano duets, his sound balances clarity, warmth, and improvisational subtlety.
Background
- Hometown
- New York City, New York, USA
- Education
- High School of Performing Arts (New York City)
- Instruments
- piano
- Active
- 1989-present
Similar Artists
If you like Keith Jarrett, Fred Hersch, or Brad Mehldau — you'll love Bill Charlap
Notable Collaborations
Upcoming Events
Bill Charlap Trio
Smoke Jazz Club
piano • Headliner
Bill Charlap Trio
Smoke Jazz Club
piano • Headliner
Bill Charlap Trio
Smoke Jazz Club
piano • Headliner
Bill Charlap Trio
Smoke Jazz Club
piano • Headliner
Bill Charlap Trio
Smoke Jazz Club
piano • Headliner
Bill Charlap Trio
Smoke Jazz Club
piano • Headliner
Bill Charlap Trio
Smoke Jazz Club
piano • Headliner
Bill Charlap Trio
Smoke Jazz Club
piano • Headliner
Bill Charlap Trio
Smoke Jazz Club
piano • Headliner
Bill Charlap Trio
Smoke Jazz Club
piano • Headliner