Henry Butler Trio at Yoshi's Oakland

Widely hailed as a pianist and vocalist both as a solo artist and with a variety of groups – considered by many to be the premier exponent of the great New Orleans jazz and blues piano tradition – Henry Butler is equally respected for his versatile work as a composer and arranger in a broad range of genres, and as a speaker and educator in high demand on conference programs and college campuses around the country.

Born blind in New Orleans, Louisiana, the second son of working class parents, his musical ability was noticed almost immediately and by the age of 12, he was not only performing regularly but arranging and composing for the groups with whom he worked....

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Widely hailed as a pianist and vocalist both as a solo artist and with a variety of groups – considered by many to be the premier exponent of the great New Orleans jazz and blues piano tradition – Henry Butler is equally respected for his versatile work as a composer and arranger in a broad range of genres, and as a speaker and educator in high demand on conference programs and college campuses around the country.

Born blind in New Orleans, Louisiana, the second son of working class parents, his musical ability was noticed almost immediately and by the age of 12, he was not only performing regularly but arranging and composing for the groups with whom he worked.

His first recording, Fivin’ Around, featuring Charlie Haden, the late Billy Higgins, and the late Freddie Hubbard in addition to other outstanding artists, was extremely well received. To enhance his visibility, he moved to New York shortly after recording his double album, The Village.

From the moment he settled into New York, things began to happen: he had coveted attention in industry publications like Downbeat and Jazz Times. And he was busy, playing clubs like The Village Gate, The Blue Note, Sweet Basil’s and Birdland in New York City in addition to appearing at major festivals around the country and abroad.

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