T h o m a s L i n g e r

Pianist, Composer, Bandleader, Producer

“Award-winning NYC-based pianist and 2023 American Piano Awards laureate. Known for expressive playing and a dynamic presence at leading venues including the Village Vanguard.”

Thomas Linger is a jazz pianist and composer whose music explores the expressive possibilities of improvisation. Blending lyricism, rhythmic freedom, and a deeply personal harmonic language, his performances move fluidly between composition and spontaneous creation.

A laureate of the American Piano Awards and winner of the American Jazz Pianist Competition, he has appeared at leading venues including The Village Vanguard and Jazz at Lincoln Center, performing internationally as both a solo pianist and ensemble leader.

Read full bio

Debut Album: Out In It

Out In It is the acclaimed debut studio album from pianist and composer Thomas Linger. Recorded at the iconic Rudy Van Van Gelder studio, the record features an all-star band with Peter Bernstein, Joe Farnsworth, and Yasushi Nakamura. Anchored by Linger's compelling original compositions, the album spent 26 consecutive weeks on the JazzWeek chart and earned rave reviews from All About Jazz, following sold-out release shows at Smalls and Ornithology.

Learn more

Projects

Thomas Linger Trio
The Thomas Linger Trio is a composition-driven ensemble centered on rhythmic depth and long-form narrative. The group’s music unfolds through extended forms and fluid interaction, balancing structural clarity with a highly responsive, improvisational approach.

Solo Piano: Improvisations & Originals
A concert program of original compositions, standards, and spontaneous improvisations.

Thomas Linger Quartet
The Thomas Linger Quartet, featuring Peter Bernstein, Joe Farnsworth, and Yasushi Nakamura, presents music from Linger’s debut album Out In It. The group explores the space between swing tradition and contemporary improvisation, driven by strong rhythmic interplay, melodic clarity, and a highly responsive ensemble dynamic.