Chris Rottmayer

Biography

Chris Rottmayer is an accomplished jazz pianist, composer, and vibraphonist born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, a city known for its vibrant musical community. He began his professional career as a freelance jazz pianist in 1990, developing a reputation for his sophisticated harmonic sense and versatility across jazz styles. Rottmayer spent two decades as a pianist for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, where he honed his craft in a demanding and diverse musical environment. He also served six years in the 440th Army Band in Raleigh, North Carolina, further broadening his musical experience.

Rottmayer relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, where he currently resides and is a valued member of the local jazz scene. He holds a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has been an Instructor of Jazz Piano at the University of South Florida since 2007. As a recording artist, Rottmayer has released several albums as a leader, including 'Reactive Synthesis' (2013), 'Sunday at Pilars' (2019), 'So In Love' (2020), and 'Being' (2023), the latter of which explores the music of Mulgrew Miller and Woody Shaw. His playing is noted for its lyricism, rhythmic poise, and deep engagement with the jazz tradition, especially the post-bop lineage. Rottmayer is also recognized for his work as an educator, shaping the next generation of jazz musicians through both performance and pedagogy.

Fun Facts

• Chris Rottmayer spent over 20 years performing as a pianist at Walt Disney World, playing in a variety of settings from jazz ensembles to pit orchestras.
• He is a multi-instrumentalist, also performing as a jazz vibraphonist in addition to his primary work as a pianist.
• Rottmayer served six years in the 440th Army Band in Raleigh, North Carolina, adding military band experience to his jazz credentials.
• His album 'Being' is a unique academic and musical tribute to the harmonic language of Mulgrew Miller and Woody Shaw, blending scholarship with performance.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Mulgrew Miller - Major stylistic influence; Rottmayer conducted an academic and musical study of Miller's work, especially his collaborations with Woody Shaw. (Album 'Being' (2023) inspired by Miller's music with the Woody Shaw Quintet) [2020s (study and recording)]
• Woody Shaw - Stylistic inspiration; Rottmayer explored Shaw's harmonic and melodic innovations through Miller's piano work in Shaw's quintet. (Album 'Being' (2023)) [2020s]

Key Collaborators

• Russ Johnson - Trumpet and flugelhorn player on 'Being', filling the role of Woody Shaw in the tribute project. (Album 'Being' (2023)) [2023]
• Rufus Reid - Renowned bassist, performed on 'Being' as part of Rottmayer's quartet. (Album 'Being' (2023)) [2023]
• Matt Endres - Drummer and frequent collaborator, featured on 'Being' and 'Playing Favorites'. (Albums 'Being' (2023), 'Playing Favorites' (2025)) [2020s]
• Clark Sommers - Bassist on 'Playing Favorites', contributing to the ensemble's swing and lyricism. (Album 'Playing Favorites' (2025)) [2025]
• Kelsey Wallner - Vocalist on 'Playing Favorites', known for her jazz and Brazilian phrasing. (Album 'Playing Favorites' (2025)) [2025]

Artists Influenced

• Students at University of South Florida - As Instructor of Jazz Piano since 2007, Rottmayer has mentored and influenced numerous emerging jazz pianists and musicians. (Student recitals, ensembles, and jazz studies at USF) [2007–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. La Vie En Rose (So in Love)
2. Pigalle (Being)
3. Nostalgia in Times Square (Sunday at Pilars)
4. Tranquil Storm (Tranquil Storm)
5. Color Shift (Color Shift)
6. Color Shift (Color Shift (feat. Dominic Walker, Chris Rottmayer, Alex DeLeon & Richard Jimenez))
7. Everything Happens to Me (Playing Favorites)
8. On the Street Where Woody Lives (Being)
9. Re-United (Being)
10. Châtelet (Being)

External Links

• Spotify