Jazz and Classical pianist Eric Olsen is “an expert in the art of musical transfiguration” (Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz.com), and has “created his own form of classic jazz” (Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz). His career is marked by his unique ability to re-imagine familiar melodies so that they are “truly born anew” (Bilawsky). Eric has appeared on a Grammy-nominated album and has collaborated with a wide variety of jazz and classical artists, including Randy Brecker, Ted Nash, George Garzone, Don Braden, Ratzo Harris, Tim Horner, Peter Olsen, Bucky Pizzarelli, Lou Caimano, Jan Carden, Kevin Maynor, and Larry Newcomb, and jazz luminaries Billy Hart and Eliot Zigmund. 

Tonight’s performances showcase the reunion of Eric’s first band, the Urban Survival Trio, featuring Jim Donica on bass and Chris Bowman on drums.  Urban Survival has been featured regularly at Shanghai Jazz from the opening of the club, and at other world-famous venues such as Manhattan’s Knitting Factory and Birdland.  The band plays on the very edge of creativity and improvisational freedom, drawing the listener into the creative process through mood and atmosphere.  Bassist Jim Donica has worked with Maynard Ferguson, David Brecker, Joe Strummer, Bruce Barth, Peter Erskine, and Vinnie Colaiuta.  Drummer Chris Bowman has worked with Paul Bley, Annette Peacock, Percy Jones, Jane Ira Bloom, Ratzo Harris, Larry Rivers, and Frank Kimbrough.

“The players on this album are, without question, top notch artists and one would, without hesitation, recommend this CD.”--John Gilbert, ejazznews.com review of Urban Survival’s latest CD, Storry Hill

Doors open at 4:30. Seating times are 6:15 and 8:35-8:45. Respective performances begin at 7:00 and 9:10 with $5 Entertainment Fee and $40 food & drink minimum per person. Reservations strongly recommended