Sharik Hasan is one of the leading pianists and composers of his generation to emerge from India. Based in New York City, he has garnered a reputation for his exceptional virtuosity and versatility, making him the top-call pianist for many well-known bands and venues. He tours much of the year internationally with the world famous Postmodern Jukebox as well as his own band MND FLO. In 2021 he joined the faculty as professor at the Berklee College of Music.

Sharik Hasan started his tryst with the piano at the age of five and by sixteen, had completed the curriculum of the Royal School of Music, London. He then went to the United States to attend Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music.

In 2007, Sharik relocated to Paris for two years to study at the Bill Evans Piano Academy where the young pianist integrated quickly into the jazz scene, playing in international festivals with his trio. He was subsequently awarded scholarship to Berklee College of Music where he was selected to be part of a special honors program, the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, under the tutelage of Danilo Pérez.

Sharik then made the move to New York City, to attend the masters program at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music on scholarship. He has performed at venues all over the world including the Blue Note (New York), Newport Jazz Festival, Panama Jazz Festival, Kriol Jazz Festival (Cape Verde), Nancy Jazz Festival (France), Mondriaan Jazz Festival (Netherlands), Lincoln Center (New York) and has shared the stage with luminaries such as Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, John Patitucci, Joe Lovano, Wayne Shorter, Terri Lyne Carrington, Sean Jones, Bill Pierce, Adam Nussbaum, Ralph Peterson, and David Liebman among others.

Sharik Hasan’s latest album with MND FLO, entitled ‘From Time’ (2018), features his original compositions, which embody an eclectic blend of cultures and acoustic-electric soundscapes. His fluid improvisations convey a natural sense of storytelling, all the while demonstrating an equal fluidity in jazz and Indian classical idioms.

SHARIK HASAN

Pritesh Walia is a virtuoso jazz guitarist, accomplished composer, and dedicated educator hailing from the vibrant city of New Delhi, India. His musical journey began at the age of 13 when he immersed himself in the rich traditions of Indian Classical Music. Fueling his insatiable curiosity for music, Pritesh sought Western influences, initiating a lifelong pursuit of mastering diverse musical styles.

Armed with an Associates of Arts Degree from the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music, a Bachelor’s Degree from Berklee College of Music in Contemporary Jazz Performance and Jazz Composition, and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory, Pritesh has honed his craft alongside some of the finest jazz musicians in the United States.

Not only has Pritesh showcased his exceptional talent on global stages, but he has also formed collaborative partnerships with prestigious brands. During his tours of India from 2015 to 2017, he proudly represented leading musical instrument retailers. Sponsored by these industry giants, Pritesh conducted master classes and clinics across India, South America, and the United States, including two appearances at the esteemed Panama Jazz Festival. Pritesh's instructional prowess is further exemplified by his lessons and packages featured on renowned guitar instructional platforms such as Licklibrary.

Currently endorsed by elite brands like Gruvgear, Chicken Picks, Collings Guitars, and Antelope Audio, Pritesh continues to push the boundaries of his musical exploration. His passion for education is evident in his role as a Jazz educator at institutions such as Bunker Hill Community College, Brookline Music School, and Excelsia College Sydney, where he guides master's students in the art of jazz.

Pritesh is poised to make significant waves in the music scene with the upcoming release of his debut album, "Hope Town," scheduled for a fall 2023 release on all streaming platforms. This album, meticulously mixed and mastered by multi-Grammy winner engineer Dave Darlington, promises to be a testament to Pritesh's artistic vision. Additionally, Pritesh is set to unveil his organ trio, "PSA," in mid-2024, followed by a Big Band record featuring the Henry Godfrey Jazz Big Band and a modern Brazilian project with strings, both slated for release in late 2024. Recognizing his contributions to the jazz genre, Pritesh has been nominated for "Best Jazz Artist of the Year" at the Boston Music Awards alongside luminaries like Terry Lynn Carrington and Grace Kelly.

Pritesh has had the privilege of studying under the mentorship of illustrious figures such as Scott Henderson, Russel Ferrante, David Fuze, Tomo Fujita, Tim Miller, Donny McCaslin, Jason Moran, Miguel Zenon, and esteemed composers like Frank Carlberg, Ben Scwendenner, and John Heiss. His collaborations include performances with the New England Jazz Orchestra, the Maria Schneider Orchestra at the New England Conservatory, and renowned jazz figures like Donny McCaslin, Bob Sheppard, and many others.Pritesh Walia's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to jazz, a genre that encapsulates not only his love for performance and composition but also his commitment to understanding its intricate harmony, theory, language, history, and voice. As he continues to evolve as a musician, educator, and collaborator, Pritesh's impact on the jazz world is poised to reach new heights.

Avery Logan is an up-and-coming drummer and producer based in New York City. His unique conception and ability to cross genres has led him down a diverse path of musical endeavors. He maintains a consistent performance schedule throughout the Northeast US as a top-call function drummer and backs up artists ranging from contemporary singer-songwriters Beane, Kyana Fanene and Debo Ray to hardcore math rockers Don Pardo. He is also the bandleader and composer of the cutting edge NYC-based fusion group Syntax. The debut of the PSA Organ Trio is the latest in his discography amongst a cadre of next-generation creative musicians like Caio Afiune, Jacob Shulman, and the Walking Cliche Sextet.

Growing up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in the early 2000s, Avery caught the music bug from the family record player. The living room might be filled with Marvin Gaye, John Coltrane and Tony Williams Lifetime one day and The Who, Van Halen or Rush the next. Avery took up the drums at age 11 and turned his fascination into dedication in the years thereafter. In 2016, Avery performed at Lincoln Center with the Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble, placing 2nd at the Essentially Ellington competition.

Later that year, he found himself in Boston at the New England Conservatory studying with master musician Billy Hart. In the whirlwind years of the late teens, he cut his teeth running the Saturday evening set at Wally’s Cafe and shared stages around the Northeast with the likes of Samora Pinderhughes, Dayna Stephens, Jason Palmer, Noah Preminger, Godwin Louis, and Tom Oren. At 19, he was a member of the 2018 class of Betty Carter Jazz Ahead at the Kennedy Center. He also found time for international dates backing actor and standup comic Rob Schneider.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the concurrent completion of his undergraduate studies, Avery remained in Boston and carved a niche as a first-call live and session drummer at the nexus of an artist collective that eventually became the Boston Jazz Foundation, home of the Charles River Jazz Festival. Avery has staffed and performed since the festival’s inception in 2021, which has since brought music to thousands of local listeners.

In 2022, Avery relocated to Queens, New York, working as a math and music educator while continuing to travel and perform throughout the Northeast. Be on the lookout for him at venues around NYC and listen for new music from Syntax, PSA, and Don Pardo.

AVERY LOGAN

PRITESH WALIA