Music Series

Bill Cunliffe is not only known for his swinging and innovative piano trios, but for his many evocative compositions for jazz small groups, big bands, chamber music, choirs, and symphony orchestras. Bill also appears as a soloist, incorporating classical pieces from Bach, Chopin, Gershwin, Bernstein and Samuel Barber, among others in his repertoire.

He got his start playing and arranging for the great Buddy Rich and touring with Frank Sinatra. In 1989 Bill won the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition. Upon moving to Los Angeles,he performed with the Clayton Brothers and the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and currently with the Joe La Barbera Quintet (former drummer with Bill Evans) along with his trio.

Bill has also performed with James Moody, Benny Golson, Art Farmer, Clifford Jordan, Freddie Hubbard, Bob Berg, Junior Cook, Sonny Fortune, Woody Shaw, Michael Burrell, Brecker, George Coleman, Pharoah Sanders, Joe Henderson, Kenny Eddie Harris, Houston Person and Art Blakey.

Mr. Cunliffe’s latest release is currently receiving significant nationwide airplay. “Border Widow’s Lament” (2022, Night Is Alive Records) with Martin Wind, bass, and Tim Horner, drums. His previous release, “Trio” (2021) was an all-star group with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Vinny Colaiuta.Bill Cunliffe was awarded a Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement for “West Side Story Medley,” on the album “Resonance Big Band Plays Tribute to Oscar Peterson” (Resonance Records, 2009). His piano concerto, Overture, Waltz and Rondo, was nominated for a Grammy in 2012.