From early experiences playing community theater and big band dance halls in Lawrence, KS to summiting musical heights in New York and abroad, pianist Addison Frei (“Fry”) has brought joy to countless audiences through a warm musical spirit and melodic sensibility.
His latest album Time and Again (Next Paradigm Music) aims in the tradition of classic trio records, enhanced by the company of Ben Wolfe on bass and Terreon Gully on drums. Frei’s 2021 release Oread draws inspiration from Kansas roots, manifesting in a deeply personal collection of thirteen original songs recorded remotely during the isolation of the pandemic. His previous album No Defense (TCB Records) was celebrated with solo performances at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Alhambra (Geneva), and Lucerne Piano Festival. He has won first prize in several competitions including the 2017 Parmigiani Montreux Jazz Piano Solo Competition, the 2016 UNISA International Jazz Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa, and the 2015 American Jazz Pianist Competition. Frei’s lyrical pianism has made him a favorite accompanist for many vocalists including Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry, Joshua Henry, Janis Siegel and the late Carol Fredette.
A proud Yamaha Artist, Frei’s previous records include Future Speak (2017), Transit (2016) and Intentions (2014). He also co-leads AMP Trio, contributing compositions to each of their five studio albums. Alongside Tahira Clayton, AMP Trio was selected as winner of the 2017 DC Jazz Prix. Frei completed his Artist Diploma at the Juilliard School, serving as musical director for this flagship ensemble’s stint at Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai. His work for string quartet and piano trio “Comment On War” was awarded the David Baker Bridges Prize and premiered at the Ravinia Festival. Recent collaborative highlights include Ben Wolfe’s Unjust, Mark Lewandowksi’s Under One Sky (feat. Kush Abadey), Lluc Casares’ Sketches Overseas (feat. Joel Ross and Philip Dizack), Tom DiCarlo’s Equanimity Project (feat. Alina Engibaryan and Jonathan Barber) and Alexander Claffy’s Tassia (feat. Kurt Rosenwinkel).
“He has the technical command and excellent musical taste to function in any setting. Whether it’s a jazz, classical, or contemporary style, Addison can deliver.”
