2004 Manitoba Jazz Musician of the Year

Jazz pianist, trombonist, and composer/arranger, JEFF PRESSLAFF, has become a mainstay of the Winnipeg jazz scene since moving from New York in 1997. Born in Manhattan, educated at Princeton and Wesleyan Universities, he has had a varied career working with many distinguished jazz and avant-garde musicians, including Benny Carter, Bill Barron, Ed Blackwell, Roswell Rudd, Sheila Jordan, Howard Levy, Stanley Jordan, George Garzone, Steve Nelson, Edgar Meyer, Sim Cain and many others.

Jeff is also a teacher of great distinction, having served on the faculties of Princeton University, Bard College, Union College, and several others. Since his arrival in Winnipeg, he has been the teacher of choice for many of the city's top musicians. He currently runs composition workshops at the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Art.

Jeff is featured as a player, writer and/or producer on several recent recordings: Crooked Cha and Amanecer, latin/jazz albums by Papa Mambo; The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra album; Dave Lawton's Shield Romp; and recordings by CBC of Ozmium, his free-improv trio. He's also featured on several recordings on the exploratory Inter/play  label, and on albums by Boston singer/songwriter, Arthur Nasson, and Swedish singer/songwriter, Elisabeth Gerle. His 1991 album of original compositions, Collective Unconsciousness features the late Steely Dan saxophonist, Cornelius Bumpus, and Ui bassist, Wilbo Wright. He has also recorded the piano works of composers J. K. Randall and Benjamin Boretz. His writing and playing have been featured on recordings by Ken Gold, Prudence Johnson, The University of Manitoba Jazz Ensemble, Ron Paley, Bossa Norte, Aliza Amihude, and Jodie Borle. His compositions and instrumental work have been heard nationwide on CBC, and he has received four commission awards from the Manitoba Arts Council.

Contact: music@jeffpresslaff.com