Pianist Ted Kooshian is a versatile journeyman who has worked with a vast array of artists from across many genres. On his own, Kooshian leans toward straight-ahead jazz . A native of San Jose, CA, he began playing piano in grade school and by junior high he was studying jazz. He studied music at San Jose State College beginning in 1979, and eventually found work as a pianist on cruise ships before moving to New York City in 1987. From that point on, Kooshian was an in-demand freelance musician for Broadway pit orchestras as well as jobs with such well-known artists as Chuck Berry, Sarah Brightman, and Blood, Sweat & Tears, to name a few. He released his self-produced debut solo album, Clockwork, in 2004. His sophomore effort, Ted Kooshian's Standard Orbit Quartet, followed in 2008. He has also appeared on many other recordings as a sideman and is a regular member of the Ed Palermo Big Band. ~ Matt Collar