About
Darren Heinrich is a versatile Sydney-based pianist & organist, who holds a 1st class Honours degree in Jazz from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he studied with Judy Bailey and Kevin Hunt. His influences incorporate the entire spectrum of the Jazz idiom, from its earliest ragtime roots to modern jazz. He regularly gigs with his own trio and freelances with a wide variety of acts both locally and abroad. During the last five years his focus has been jazz organ music, travelling to the US to study with Hammond masters Dr. Lonnie Smith and Tony Monaco, and writing a thesis comparing the styles of Jimmy Smith and Larry Young.
The Darren Heinrich Trio is a classic Hammond Organ combo - Organ/Guitar/Drums. The music’s emphasis is groove, with equal parts tradition and innovation. Original music by Darren forms a significant part of the band's repertoire in addition to standards and blues.
Darren Heinrich – Organ
Steve Brien – Guitar
Andrew Dickeson – Drums
News and Recent stuff...
Brad Child Quartet
On November 29th I had a great time playing with Saxophonist Brad Child at The Underground in Newcastle for NIMA. The band featured the wonderful Warwick Alder on Trumpet and Andrew Dickeson on Drums - so much fun (and a little challenging too!)
This is one of the best sounding stages in Australia!
New Nord Stage 2
On November 17 I got a new Nord Stage 2 piano via my endorsement with Nord Keyboards. I've used it on a few gigs now and love it - especially the Bright Grand sample set and the Close Ideal Rhodes. The synth is powerful too. I've written an in-depth review in the Notes section on my Facebook page.
Paul Isaacs Quartet
On November 3rd I had a great time playing at The Dungeon, Newcastle with the Paul Isaacs Quartet - check out the Video page to see and hear Paul, Peter Gray, Nick Cecire and myself perform "Cats 'N' Kittens" by Peter Erskine.
On Tuesday 12th April I recorded with Jeremy Sawkins' Jazz Organism for ABC Jazz, at their fabulous studio 227 in Ultimo. We recorded 6 tunes, including one of mine and we're very happy with the results - James Kennedy is a great engineer.
UPDATE - This broadcast is available for listening here
The boys: Jeremy Sawkins, Spike Mason, Toby Hall, Darren Heinrich
March
Just got back from gigs at The Loft in Canberra and The Jazz Basement in Wodonga with Steve Brien on Guitar and Ross Ferraro on Drums. We had a fabulous time and the gigs were well attended.
Mack The Knife - Live at the Loft
Audio from The Loft
The Poledancer - Live at the Loft
Audio from The Loft
Link to older News items in the Archive.
Credits - Gigs and Recordings
Sydney Jazz Collective, Dale Barlow, Erroll Buddle, Dave Panichi, Dan Barnett, Lily Dior, Dave Blenkhorn, Brad Child, Slide McBride, Jeremy Sawkins, Steve Brien, Rick Robertson (DIG), James Valentine, Adrian Cunningham, Todd Hardy Quartet, Jo Fabro, Ray Beadle & the Vipers, Marcia Hines, Steve Prestwich (Cold Chisel), Blaine Whittaker, Anita Spring, Australian Army Band.
Teaching
Darren teaches classes in Piano, Organ, Ensemble and Improvisation at the Australian Institute of Music in Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia.
Endorsements
Darren is an endorsee of Nord Musical Instruments, Sweden. He gigs with their C1 Combo Organ and Stage 2 88 Piano
Awards
Unsigned Artist Of The Month - Keyboard Magazine (USA) - details here.
Artist of the Month - jazzandbeyond.com.au - interview
Jacek Chrostowski Encouragement Award for Jazz Piano
Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) - Young Composers Competition Runner-up.
