Bobby Avey

Upon graduating from Purchase Conservatory of Music 2007 with a BA in Jazz Studies, Bobby moved to Brooklyn, NY. In October of 2006, ZOHO Records released Vienna Dialogues featuring the piano/soprano sax duo of Bobby Avey and Dave Liebman. Scott Albin in Jazz Times reviewed the album, which features songs of composers from Handel through Mahler and opens them up for improvisation. Scott writes, "Highlights are many—Chopin’s “Etude in E Flat Minor Op. 10 No 6,” with Liebman’s long, yearning solo and Avey’s strong chording; Avey’s beautiful intro and Liebman’s silky, melodic variations and winding lines on Brahms’ “Immer Leiser wird mein Schlummer Op. 105 No 2”; Liebman’s least-restrained solo, with atonal shrieks and trills on Schubert’s “Tränenregen/Wasserflut”; Avey’s sparkling solo and accompaniment on Debussy’s “Fleur des Blés,” graced with a bell-like sound, his playing here so impressive it overshadows Liebman’s; and Liebman’s deep-toned, wistful opening section on Handel’s “Sonata No 6.” Additionally, Mahler’s “Der Einsame im Herbst” is given a hauntingly memorable treatment, with outstanding solos by each." Bobby has lead/co-led groups at the 55 Bar, the Jazz Gallery, Symphony Space, the Deerhead Inn, and the COTA Jazz Festival. He has studied with Dave Liebman, Hal Galper, Phil Markowitz, Jon Faddis, Charles Blenzig, Steven Lubin, and Jesse Green. Bobby won the Pressor Scholarship while attending Purchase and was named the 2006 Yamaha Young Performing Artist on piano. He is currently a freelance musician in New York.