Album Notes

Born into a musical family in Dallas, Texas, Doug Hall began studying piano at age six and made his orchestral debut performing the Mozart A-Major K 414 Piano Concerto with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at age nine. At the age of twelve, he became interested in jazz, and for the next several years competed in classical piano competitions and performed with orchestras, including another performance with the Dallas Symphony at age fifteen, and at the same time writing compositions for his high-school jazz ensemble. After graduating early, he was awarded a Memorial Composition Scholarship from North Texas State University and entered college at age sixteen. Doug Hall has played with Dave Liebman, James Moody, Victor Wooten, Joe Farrell, Lee Konitz, Chet Baker and Bill Waltrous. He has recorded on Bob Beldon Ensemble’s “Music of Sting” for Blue Note, while his debut CD “Three Wishes” featuring Marc Johnson (bass) and Bruce Hall (drums) received positive feedback and critical acclaim.

While citing Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, and McCoy Tyner as early influences, Doug has found his own sound and style and is particularly respected in the Austin music community, having been referred to in the press as "Austin's most diverse keyboard virtuoso.”

Pianist Doug Hall gives a lush, fluid, and profoundly detailed approach to his beautiful and dynamic compositions. As conveyed through the brightness and exquisiteness of his notes, you sense inner joy channeling through him.
“Pianistic brilliance... superlative and exquisitely tasteful throughout.” -– Michael Point, Austin American-Statesman

“Musicianship that is unerringly thoughtful... a set of engaging interplay” -– JazzTimes Magazine

"Hall shines as a pianist/composer who has quite a bit to say. Hall makes every note count and seems intent on illuminating the compositional frameworks and melodic underpinnings! Simply stated, Hall offers the best of both worlds thanks to his shrewd compositional pen and penchant for injecting off-kilter yet largely memorable hooks into his works. Fervently recommended." -– Glenn Astarita ALLABOUTJAZZ.COM

Doug Hall may well be that state's next, if by no means its lone, star in the jazz world.” -– Drew Wheeler, CDNOW Senior Editor, Jazz