San Diego-based pianist Ed Kornhauser holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University. His debut album “The Short Years” was released in November, 2020, featuring a quartet and all original compositions. It was nominated for ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Best Jazz Album’ at the 2021 San Diego Music Awards.

Working as a freelance musician in the greater San Diego area, Ed can be found backing a variety of local musicians and playing a diverse selection of music. He works equally regularly as a solo pianist as well as in group settings, and can put together a group based on the needs of the event. As an accompanist, he can be heard regularly behind several vocalists including Leonard Patton and Whitney Shay. He is the staff accompanist at Unity Way Church in Vista, CA, and plays frequently at private and public events.

Ed also plays for The Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio (stylized as themattsmithneujazztrio) along with drummer Matt Smith and bassist Mackenzie Leighton. He is featured on all three releases: “Shorthanded” (2013), “RETROgrade” (2016), and “I.Am.Calm” (2017), the last of which feature saxophonist Dayna Stephens and trumpeter Curtis Taylor. Both “RETROgrade” and “I.Am.Calm” were produced by Grammy award-winning producer Kamau Kenyatta.