Cliff Habian Discography of CDs

Cliff Habian albums Live Recording Recording information: Metrosync Studios, Cleveland, OH (01/17/2000/01/18/2000). Personnel: Cliff Habian (piano); Dave Morgan (bass); Bill Ransom (drums); Jamey Haddad (percussion). Personnel: Cliff Habian (piano); Bill Ransom (drums); Jamey Haddad (percussion).

Cliff Habian music CDs The late jazz critic, Leonard Feather of the Los Angeles Times, said that, Cleveland has an engaging eclectic in Habian, everthing switches around from cut tocut: the size of the band, the genre of the music, the source of Habian's inspiration". He began piano lessons at the age of nine and was composing music justa few years later with both classical and jazz mjusic being strong influences. He decided early on to integrate the two genres into his own unique style. Cliff has worked with such greats as Joe Lovano, Freddie Cole, Frank Morgan, Jane Ira Bloom and many others in addition to appearing on Good Morning America, and opened for such jazz legends as Mel Lewis and Dave Brubeck. He has also performed for many celebrities ranging from Wilt Chamberlain to Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. His international reputation began with a recording debut for Milestone/Fantasy Records. Two landmark recordings were produced, consisting primarily of original compositions, "Tonal Paintings" and "Manhattan Bridge". His concert appearances have been global, including Russia, Thailand, and Panama. In addition to appearing in jazz festivals and educational clinics in the United States. Recently, Cliff became a "piano coach to the stars" when he was asked to coach child actress/star Yara Shahidi for an upcoming piano playing part in the new "I, Alex Cross" movie (due out in 2012).

Cliff Habian discography The eclectic nature of keyboardist Cliff Habian's program and the use of a slightly different instrumentation on each cut results in a diverse set that is consistent in its quality while covering a wide area of music. "Death Of A Caballero" is a Spanish piece influenced by Chick Corea with hot solos from altoist Tom First and the soprano of Ken LeGrand. The funky rhythms and tricky chord structure of "Crab Language" contrasts with a Bill Evans-type piano trio waltz ("Monet's Grand") and the r&bish "Ecuador" (with LeGrand in fine form on alto). The "Unbeliever" utilizes a high school choir and Ernie Krivda's passionate tenor while "Under The Manhattan Bridge" has a standard quartet (with tenor-saxophonist Joe Lovano) essaying a straighta-ahead original. The sadly out-of-print album's only miss is an attempt to simulate Django Reinhardt's guitar sound on synthesizer ("Reinhardt"). Overall, Manhattan Bridge is full of chancetaking music that is quite satisfying, even after repeated listenings. ~ Scott Yanow Personnel: ...

Cliff Habian songs Quintet. A good effort from this Cleveland pianist. Much potential. A mix of progressive and contemporary. ~ Michael G. Nastos

Cliff Habian CD discography Recording information: Metrosync Studios, Cleveland, OH; Suma Recording, Painesville, OH; The Right Track, Cleveland, OH. Arranger: Cliff Habian. Personnel: Cliff Habian (piano, synthesizer); Bob Fraser (guitar); Steven Greenman (violin); Ken LeeGrand (saxophone); Dominick Farinacci (trumpet); Bill Ransom (drums, percussion). Liner Note Author: Jim Collins.