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Bill Charlap, internationally acclaimed pianist and director of William Paterson University’s Jazz Studies program, has been nominated for another Grammy Award. “Uptown, Downtown” – the latest album by the Bill Charlap Trio, which includes bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington –– is up for the 2017 award in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category.
Charlap won the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for his collaboration with Tony Bennett, “The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern.” This year’s nomination is his fourth. He was previously nominated for his recordings “Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein” and “The Bill Charlap Trio: Live at the Village Vanguard.”
“Of course the Grammy is one of the world’s most prestigious music awards, and certainly one of the most well-known,” Charlap says. “I’m delighted to be recognized by my peers and by the industry, and I’m also very proud to be in the company of the other nominees. Every one of them is a musician that I admire immensely and they all deserve to win.”
The 60th annual Grammy Awards, telecast live on CBS, will take place Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Charlap's category will be announced during a pre-show ceremony, streaming live online between 3 and 6 p.m. at www.grammy.com.
Charlap, who joined William Paterson University in September 2015, has performed with many leading artists from Phil Woods and Tony Bennett to Gerry Mulligan and Wynton Marsalis. He is known for his interpretations of American popular songs and has recorded albums featuring the music of Hoagy Carmichael, Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin.
But, there’s no place like home.
“I really must underscore how gratifying it is to work with the brilliant students here at William Paterson University and the faculty whom I respect and admire so much,” Charlap explains. “It’s been a true gift to watch and witness the music and extra-musical growth of these fine young artists, and to help them along the way as much as I can.”
The Bill Charlap Trio’s upcoming performances in the area include: Friday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2 at 9 pm. at The Jazz Forum in Tarrytown, New York. Charlap will also perform as part of an all-star lineup at Western Connecticut State University – in Danbury, Connecticut – on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.billcharlap.com.
