Joanne Brackeen

**Joanne Brackeen** is a trailblazing jazz pianist and composer known for her fearless creativity and technical brilliance. Born Joan Grott in Ventura, California (1938), she carved her path in a male-dominated scene, becoming one of the first women to play with Art Blakey’s legendary Jazz Messengers in the 1960s. Her style—a spicy mix of bebop, post-bop, and avant-garde—has dazzled audiences for decades, marked by intricate rhythms and harmonic surprises. A prolific bandleader, she’s released over a dozen albums showcasing her original compositions and reimagined standards.

Brackeen’s live performances, like *Saturday (Live at the Jazz Standard)* and *Pink Elephant Magic (Live)*, capture her improvisational magic and playful energy. Beyond the stage, she’s shaped future jazz greats as a longtime Berklee College of Music professor. Even in her 80s, she’s still dropping fiery live recordings, proving jazz never gets old when you’re as curious and bold as she is. 🎹✨

Genres

Jazz

Latest Release

Frozen Mist (Short Cuts - breakdown)

Joanne Brackeen

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released August 16, 2024