Richard Clements

Richard Clements

Philadelphia Piano Luminary

A masterful pianist and seasoned composer, Richard Clements offers a compelling blend of sophisticated post-bop and soulful jazz, rooted deeply in the tradition yet distinctly his own.

jazzpost-bophard bopstraight-ahead jazz

About

Born in New York and raised in Philadelphia, Richard Clements is a highly respected jazz pianist and composer whose career spans over five decades. He is renowned for his elegant touch, profound harmonic understanding, and dynamic improvisational skills, making him a cornerstone of the Philadelphia jazz scene.

Music Style

Clements' musical style is characterized by intricate improvisations, a strong swinging rhythm, and rich melodic content, often infused with a blues sensibility, firmly placing him in the lineage of hard bop and post-bop piano.

Background

Hometown
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Instruments
piano
Active
1970s-present

Similar Artists

If you like McCoy Tyner, Kenny Barron, or Ahmad Jamal — you'll love this artist

McCoy Tyner
Shares a powerful, harmonically rich, and percussive approach to the piano.
85%
Kenny Barron
Both exhibit a sophisticated elegance, melodic clarity, and deep understanding of jazz piano tradition.
80%
Ahmad Jamal
Influenced by a strong sense of space, rhythm, and melodic invention in their improvisations.
75%

Notable Collaborations

Philly Joe JonesPat MartinoStanley TurrentineGrover Washington Jr.Jimmy HeathOdean PopeSonny StittArt Blakey
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