Kelvin Sholar

Kelvin Sholar is a visionary musical artist; He sees where music is going and he brings this future to the present. He was recently named as one of the best musical artists IN THE WORLD in Artforum International's Best of 2009 issue (along with likes of Leonard Cohen, The Boston Symphony, Thom Yorke and Kanye West). Reviewer Gavin Russom says of his solo piano work: "Opening with a Jelly Roll Morton rag, this exceptional producer and keyboardist soon transitioned into a body of original solo piano material that evoked Kevin Saunderson as powerfully as it did Cecil Taylor. Time stopped."

This confirms that Sholar is primarily known for his enormous capacity to perform, produce, and compose highly inspired music in various group settings (from solo to large ensemble) and genres (Jazz, Classical, Blues, Afro-Carribean and Electronic music). In fact, Kelvin has performed on several international television shows, written for film, been interviewed and filmed by iconic American director Spike Lee, and he has performed, collaborated and/or recorded on over 50 sessions with many of the greatest artists in the world- from The New York City Ballet to QTip to Stevie Wonder.

Kelvin Sholar has recorded and performed extensively in top level festivals and musical venues in major cities all over the world, he has been awarded over 10 musical awards, and he has given master classes on music using materials from his forthcoming book entitled "The Sholar System" in many international schools- including: the Phillipos Nakas Conservatory (Athens, Greece), Cite de la Musique (Marseilles, France), North Carolina Central University (Durham, NC, USA), Kyo Rei Hall (Tokyo, Japan), Escola International (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Porto Jazz school (Porto, Portugal), and Columbia University (New York, USA)."

Notable Recognition: Best Music of 2009 Artforum International, Winner of Scholarships from James Tatum Foundation For The Arts, 1989 and 1990, Winner of the Michigan Bach Festival Competition in 1990, IAJE Outstanding musician in Montreaux/Detroit Jazz Festival- 1991, Outstanding musician in Aquinas Jazz Festival- 1992, Best soloist and Best band in WEMU/Heritage Jazz Festival- 1993, Outstanding pianist at The Clark Terry Jazz Camp- 1994, Outstanding musicianship/ Elmhurst Jazz Festival- 1996 and 1996, Outstanding musicianship/ Wichita Jazz Festival 1995 and 1996.