Bill Charlap

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William Morrison Charlap is a jazz pianist born October 15, 1966 in New York City. He comes from a musical background. His mother, Sandy Stewart, is a singer and his father was Broadway composer Mark Charlap. Charlap and his mother recorded a duet album: "Love Is Here To Stay." He has recorded six albums as a leader for the Blue Note label, including two Grammy nominated CDs: "Somewhere", featuring the music of Leonard Bernstein, and "The Bill Charlap Trio, Live At The Village Vanguard."

Bill Charlap began playing piano at age three. He later studied classical music, but remained most interested in jazz. He has worked with Gerry Mulligan, Benny Carter, Tony Bennett, and others. In 1995 he joined the Phil Woods Quintet. In a crowded field, Charlap is widely considered one of the world's best jazz pianists. He appears at least twice a year for lengthy runs at some of the world's major jazz clubs, including the legendary Village Vanguard with his excellent rhythm section, consisting of Peter Washington (bass) and Kenny Washington (drums).

Bill Charlap replaced Dick Hyman as Artistic Director of New York's 92nd Street Y "Jazz in July" six program series after Hyman's 20th year in 2004. He married Canadian jazz pianist Renee Rosnes in New York City on August 25, 2007.