Michael Kaeshammer
Biography
MICHAEL KAESHAMMER (pianist, keyboardist, vocalist, composer, arranger) was born on January 7, 1977 in Offenburg, Germany. Classically trained, by the age of 13 his musical interests began to reflect his newfound love of boogie-woogie, the piano-playing style which was to become his trademark. Equally adept at playing both jazz and blues, Kaeshammer was already a veteran on the German club, concert, and festival circuits by the time he was 17, when his family emigrated to British Columbia, Canada and he began pursuit of the career that would see him known today as one of the most spell-binding young jazz pianists in this country.
Now living in Toronto enjoying a large international following wherever he is heard, he had already released a series of award-winning and crtically-lauded recordings by the time he was in his early 20s, beginning with his propitious debut recording, Blue Keys while he was still a teenager. Alma Records’ producer Peter Cardinali took him to New Orleans to demonstrate his command of a staggering array of jazz forms in recordings with some of the legends there including Art Neville, Eddie Bo, and drummer Johnny Vidacovich, who also joined Kaeshammer for Cardinali’s 2003 release of the JUNO Award-nominated Strut recording.
Michael Kaeshammer’s genius continues to garner widespread critical attention, awards and honours of every kind, and audience acclamation in vociferous agreement that there is no brighter star on the jazz horizon. His 2009 release “Lovelight” showcases his further evolution as a singer and songwriter.
Michael's latest album, "With You In Mind," was released in May 2013.
Awards:
2001 – JUNO Award nominee for No Strings Attached (Alma Records)
2001 – West Coast Music Award as ‘Male Artist of the Year’
2002 – West Coast Music Award as ‘Performer of the Year’
2002 – West Coast Music Award as ‘Musician of the Year’
2004 – JUNO Award nominee for ‘Contemporary Jazz Album’ for Strut (Alma Records)
2007 – JUNO Award nominee for “Contemporary Jazz Album” for “Days Like These”
2010 – JUNO nomination for 'Vocal Jazz Album' for "Lovelight"
