Olaf Polziehn

In recent years, Olaf Polziehn, who was born 1970 in Ludwigsburg, has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most sought-after jazz pianists. Evidence of this includes his concerts and CDs with such musicians as Randy Brecker, Quincy Jones, Patti Austin, Al Jarreau, Take 6, Al Foster, Bobby Durham, Benny Golson, Scott Hamilton, Horacio “El Negro” Hernández, and many others. The pianist Monty Alexander has written of him: “Olaf is in possession of outstanding piano technique and a wondrous touch.” And Bob Mintzer remarked: “Olaf Polziehn is a terrific pianist! He draws upon the tradition and then takes the music to interesting new places, always with a keen sense of taste and style. He makes everyone in the band sound good and is a great conversationalist. All the ingredients for a great piano player!” Olaf Polziehn has been a professor at the Graz University of Art since October 2008.