Eddie Wiernik

Male

Los Angeles, CA

United States

Profile Information:

Favorite website

http://alloyband.com

Pittsburgh Connection

I am from Pittsburgh born and raised. I have been playing piano/singing since the age of 5. I studied with Greg Lutz, with Roger Humphries and Dwayne Dolphin being my father figures in jazz. I studied at Duquesne University under the direction of Mike Tomaro and Sean Jones. Pittsburgh musicians are like a second family to me.

Favorite Pittsburgh musicians/performers

Roger Humphries - Dwayne Dolphin - Lou Shrieber - Sean Jones - Nelson Harrison - Chris Hemmingway - Kim Nazarian - James Johnson III - Carolyn Perteete - Tony Depaolis - Chris Parker

Favorite Jazz Radio or media station

90.5 DUQ - Pittsburgh
88.1 - Los Angeles

Favorite Pittsburgh Jazz Venue

Manchester's Craftsman Guild
James Street (North Side)

About Me:

Eddie is a pianist / singer / songwriter from Pittsburgh, PA. Eddie began his musical journey at age five when he got his first piano. He was so inspired by the innovative sound of Harry Connick Jr. that at age 12 he sent a demo to Connick's agent in hopes of receiving some feedback, but he never expected to receive a phone call from Harry, personally inviting him to his concert in Pittsburgh, PA. During the performance, Harry, who was intrigued by the demo, invited Eddie on stage to perform a duet. Eddie was inspired greatly on both a personal and a musical level. He went on to perform on stage with Harry Connick, Jr. on four occasions in Pittsburgh and Chicago. By age 13, Eddie played his first professional gig and continued to fine tune his piano skills with private lessons. At age 16, Harry Connick, Jr. arranged for Eddie to study privately with his mentor, Ellis Marsalis, in New Orleans, LA., and between his junior and senior years in high school, Eddie received a scholarship to study at the summer program of the Berklee School of Music in Boston. Joanne Brackeen, a professor at Berklee and an extraordinary pianist, heard Eddie play at the Mellon Jazz Festival in Pittsburgh and recommended him for the scholarship. At age 19, Eddie competed in Best New Talent and finished in the top three in both the male singer and instrumentalist categories. As a result of BNT, he received valuable direction from BNT 2003 Judge, Susan Slamer (Sony Label) and went on to record a demo CD at Capital Records in L.A. After graduation, Eddie entered Duquesne Universitys Jazz Studies program on a full scholarhip. The focus on music theory, musicianship, piano technique and performing in ensembles only intensified Eddies love for jazz music. During college, Eddie played hundreds of gigs with the Eddie Wiernik Jazz Quartet and even had the distinction of playing at Lincoln Center in New York City. Eddie studied voice with Kim Nazarian of New York Voices and has had the opportunity to work with numerous distinguished jazz musicians including Sean Jones, Bob Mintzer, Gregg Fields, Joey DeFrancesco, Capt Jack McDuff, Dave Budway, Roger Humphries and Dwayne Dolphin. He has also been greatly influence by pianist Oscar Peterson. Eddie graduated from Duquesne University in May 2006 with a degree in music education and by June relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his music career. Eddie has been playing showcases all over Hollywood including places like The House of Blues, The Music Box, The Key Club, The Mint, The Bel Age, and B.B Kings. He has just released his debut CD 'Unstructured' with his band Alloy in January 2010.

Website:

http://alloyband.com

Artist or Fan

artist

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