Biography
Fabian Almazan, born April 16, 1984, in Havana, Cuba, began studying classical piano at an early age before his family fled political exile, crossing the Mexican border to reach the United States and settle in Miami, Florida, where they claimed political asylum. Unable to afford private lessons, he received free instruction for over three years from pianist Conchita Betancourt, enabling him to attend the New World School of the Arts from 1998 to 2002. He was selected for the National Grammy High School Jazz Combo piano chair in 2002 and later won the Brubeck Institute fellowship, studying with Mark Levine and performing with Dave Brubeck and Christian McBride.
In 2003, Almazan moved to New York City to study jazz piano with Kenny Barron and orchestration with Giampaolo Bracali at the Manhattan School of Music, earning his bachelor's degree and later a master's in 2009 under Jason Moran as a Michael W. Greene Scholarship recipient. Since 2007, he has served as the pianist in Terence Blanchard's band, contributing to albums like Choices (2009), Magnetic (2013), and Breathless (2015), and appearing in Spike Lee films such as Chi-Raq and Red Tails. Almazan founded Biophilia Records, releasing his debut Personalities (2011) and Rhizome (2014) on Blue Note/ArtistShare, blending jazz, classical, Afro-Cuban elements, and electronics with environmental themes, incorporating Cuban bird field recordings in This Land Abounds With Life.
A two-time Grammy-nominated artist known for his complex, multifaceted style—described as 'luxurious and masterful' with subtle Afro-Cuban fusions—Almazan pursues a PhD in Creative Practice and Critical Inquiry at Harvard University, advocating for environmental justice through music while innovating with electric manipulation of acoustic piano.
Fun Facts
- Almazan entered the U.S. via the Mexican border as a child fleeing Cuba, living in a trailer home in Miami where his parents worked three jobs.
- As an environmentalist, he returned to Cuba to record endemic bird sounds for his album This Land Abounds With Life, merging music with nature advocacy through Biophilia Records.
- Voted '#1 Rising Piano Star' by Downbeat Magazine critics' poll in 2014 and a two-time Grammy nominee.
- Developed a unique style manipulating acoustic piano electronically, featured in Spike Lee films like Harriet and Miracle at St. Anna.
Associated Acts
- Anthony Branker & Imagine - piano
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Conchita Betancourt - Early piano teacher who provided free lessons after family arrived in Miami (Preparation for New World School of the Arts audition) [late 1990s-early 2000s]
- Kenny Barron - Jazz piano studies at Manhattan School of Music (Bachelor's degree pursuits) [2003 onward]
- Giampaolo Bracali - Instrumentation and orchestration teacher (Compositions for orchestra and chamber ensembles) [2000s]
- Jason Moran - Private studies during master's program (Master's degree at Manhattan School of Music)
- Mark Levine - Studies at Brubeck Institute fellowship (Performances with Dave Brubeck and Christian McBride) [early 2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Terence Blanchard - Long-term piano chair in his band (Choices (2009), Magnetic (2013), Breathless (2015), Live (2018)) [2007-present]
- Linda Oh - Frequent band member and touring partner (Personalities (2011), Rhizome band) [2010s]
- Henry Cole - Drummer in early albums and Rhizome (Personalities (2011), Rhizome (2014)) [2010s]
- Mark Guiliana - Accompaniment and performances (Jersey (2017)) [2010s]
- Camila Meza - Guitar/vocals in Rhizome (Rhizome (2014))
Connection Network
External Links
Tags: #jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Fabian Almazan has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.