Bill Malchow — artist
Bill Malchow is a pianist and vocalist who plays New Orleans-influenced blues, jazz, funk and R&B at clubs and festivals in New York City and New Orleans, where you might also catch him jamming on the Hammond organ or his Hohner accordion. Whether performing solo or as the Bill Malchow Trio, or with his larger band, the Go Cup All Stars, Bill’s shows are fun. He mixes originals, standards and New Orleans classics with improvisation, great storytelling and a wicked sense of humor, which makes for a good time had by all. “I’m a musician that honors the past while hoping to contribute to its forward progression. I like there to be a bit of honesty, energy and humor in my shows.” Peter Aaron of Chronogram Magazine probably sums up Bill best: “Bill Malchow divides his time between the Big Apple and the Big Easy—which sounds about right, since his percolating, second-line style bubbles and boils with Fats Waller-style Harlem stride and the steaming New Orleans sounds of Dr. John, James Booker, Allen Toussaint, and Professor Longhair.” As a young kid in Connecticut, Bill started sounding out pop tunes on the family piano. His mother soon signed him up for classical lessons. His grandfather, an avid swing dancer, was constantly playing Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima and big band records and tapes. Bill made a copy of one of his Louis Armstrong tapes and wore it out, absorbing the songs. Later he was gifted “The Dr. John Anthology” and was hooked. “His cool voice, command of the piano and unique style was super impressive.”