JOANNE BRACKEEN (pianist, composer, bandleader) was born July 26, 1938 in Ventura, California. Often referred to as the “Picasso of Jazz Piano” Brackeen has been described as “virtuosic”, “playful”, “complex” and “unpredictable”. Largely self- taught, her list of credits include stints with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Joe Henderson and Stan Getz. One of the most respected musicians in jazz, moving from traditional to free jazz and all points between , she has created almost 300 compositions, led a number of trios, featuring such artists as Jack DeJohnette and her own much lauded solo work. Brackeen is currently a professor of piano at Berklee College in Boston.