Vibrant jazz pianist, composer and producer, hailed by the Boston Globe as the artist who “beautifully merges the worlds of serious jazz and pop,” — Misha blends powerful melodies with an unusual harmonic sensitivity. It's a sound with a deeply personal yet cosmopolitan dimension, reflecting his experience as a Russian-Jewish émigré growing up in urban America. The great nephew of legendary cellist Gregor Piatigorsky, with international upbringing followed by international acclaim, he works in New York City to advance the modern jazz sound beyond the standards. He leads a number of projects including The Sketchy Orkestra – his innovative ensemble band some 20 people strong.
EMILY BRADEN
With a new album currently in the works, Emily Braden is electrifying NYC and international audiences with her fresh, soulful sound and striking stage presence. Winner of New York City's 'Best of the Best' Jazzmobile Vocal Competition, this Idaho-born, Harlem-based vocalist keeps her feet firmly planted in the straight ahead tradition while fearlessly exploring the range and nuance of the human voice. Her original music, co-created with producer and pianist Misha Piatigorsky, blends heavy grooves and carefully-crafted lyrics with soaring vocals, always leaving room for off-the-cuff bilingual improvisations. Before the COVID-19 global pandemic, Braden toured regularly and could be seen every first Friday at NYC’s famed 55 Bar. See her live and she’ll make you a believer. No two shows are the same. The video for “Strength of Love," the first single from the upcoming album, was released on YouTube on June 5, 2020.
RUDY ROYSTON DRUMS
First-call drummer Rudy Royston (Bill Frisell, JD Allen, Dave Douglas) has honed a thoroughly engaging voice as a composer and bandleader. His releases include his compelling debut '303' (2014), the raw and bracing trio follow-up 'Rise of Orion' (2016) and the chamber quintet release 'Flatbed Buggy' (2018).
DANTON BOLLER BASS
Bassist Danton Boller quickly became a sought after musician on the New York music scene after his arrival in 1997. Mentored by legendary bassist “Senator” Eugene J. Wright of the famed Dave Brubeck Quartet, Danton brings musical depth with historical reference and a modern sensibility to every performance. He has toured internationally and recorded with top jazz artists of his generation as a member of the Roy Hargrove Quintet, Seamus Blake Quartet, Ari Hoenig’s Punk Bop, and the Anthony Wilson Nonet to name a few.
During his time with the Roy Hargrove Quintet the band made two critically acclaimed records – Earfood, and Emergence; the latter received a Grammy nomination. Danton is featured with the Roy Hargrove Quintet on the DVD release Live At The New Morning, where the band made history with an iconic performance of Strasbourg St. Denis.
Danton’s versatility and appreciation for all music has propelled him to the stage and in the studio with an eclectic array of amazing artists: Alvin Queen, Bridget Everett, Q Tip, Alexi Murdoch, Antibalas, Elysian Fields, Mx. Justin Vivian Bond, Taylor Mac, Keller Williams, Robert Glasper, Matt Ray, Jon Fishman, Matt Munisteri, Mulgrew Miller, Joey Arias, Village Vanguard Orchestra, Ronnie Mathews, Seun Kuti, Patti Labelle, Fela! on Broadway, and the list goes on.
Currently Danton can be heard with various bands in NYC: Bridget Everett & the Tender Moments, Elysian Fields, Chop and Quench, Tadataka Unno Trio and Andrew Scott (aka Goat) among many others. Danton recently appeared in the Melissa McCarthy movie “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” playing alongside performer Justin Vivian Bond.
As a leader Danton actively performs his original compositions with his groups in NYC. His debut release Space! featuring fellow alumni of the Roy Hargove Quintet and his working quintet is in it’s final stages of production. He also leads an electro band, The Sides, that creates instrumental cinematic soundscapes illuminating electro, avant-jazz, dub, afrobeat, and rock.
When not performing, Danton records and produces music in his NYC studio. He recorded the upright bass tracks for the 2018 Keller Williams acoustic dance music release Sans and the 2017 William’s release Sync (with the band KWahtro). In 2017 he produced the “FELA aKUsTIc” debut release on the OKAYAfrica label that features the star of Fela! on Broadway, Sahr Ngaujah. He co-produced, along with Al Schmidt and Kat Edmonson, Edmonson’s highly lauded release on Sony records, Way Down Low.