Grammy nominated organist Pat Bianchi has established himself as one of the premier organists on the international scene today. Bianchi is the winner of Downbeat Magazine’s 2016 rising star poll, Hot House 2019 poll and nominee of the 2024 Jazz Journalists Association as Keyboardist of the year. Known for fearlessly taking the jazz organ into new and exciting directions, Pat’s playing blends tradition with forward- thinking creativity, drawing inspiration from mentors Dr. Lonnie Smith and Joey DeFrancesco.
With a career that includes touring with Steely Dan, performing alongside jazz icons Pat Martino and Lou Donaldson, and leading his own acclaimed trio, Pat’s artistry is unmatched! His command of the instrument, harmonic prowess, rhythmic intensity and versatility are rivaled by few. Bianchi’s nine albums as bandleader, together with over 35 credits as a featured sideman and his Grammy nomination have solidified his place at the forefront of today’s Jazz Organists.
In addition to leading his own groups, Pat has performed alongside a wide array of musicians including Chuck Loeb, Ralph Peterson Jr., Tim Warfield, George Coleman, Terrace Martin, Joe Locke, Red Holloway, Dakota Staton, Mark Whitfield, Terell Stafford, Eric Marienthal among many others.
Born in Rochester, New York, Bianchi comes from a musically prolific family. He began playing organ at the age of 7 and was playing his first professional gigs by the age of 11. While in grade school, he enrolled in The Eastman School of Music’s preparatory program for piano and music theory while at the same time being mentored by numerous musicians in the Rochester music scene. Bianchi continued his studies at Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) and went on to spend about 8 years in Denver continuing to refine his skills before relocating to New York City in 2008.
While maintaining an active performance schedule, Bianchi is also the host of the weekly Sirius XM Radio show “Organized” and is currently on faculty at Berklee College of Music serving as an Associate Professor of Jazz Organ.
“Bianchi, has established his own voice as an organist, something not easily done and gives ample evidence why many regard him as the next big thing on the venerable Hammond B3” • All About Jazz
“Bianchi’s deep knowledge of jazz organ history continues to inform his own voice. While he is a proponent of the classic jazz organ trio sound, he’s not confined by it” • Downbeat
“Pat Bianchi is more than a disciple of the great organ players we know of over the many years. He is a monster player and a unique creative master” • Monty Alexander
