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“I feel this burning desire inside me to connect deeply with the world and other human beings. I play music to spread its energy and beauty, to invite listeners to feel what I feel from music, and to hopefully find that space where we can share a fulfilling artistic experience.”
Andrew Haug is a pianist from Cincinnati, OH, currently residing in New York City. They have performed throughout the United States and are active in many local groups. Andrew has had the honor of performing at the legendary Newport Jazz Festival as well as with notable artists such as Ravi Coltrane, Thesaurus Rex, Sunny Jain, Brian Newman (Lady Gaga), Teresa Carpio, Nir Felder, Shevya, MCP, Manisha Eerabathini, Josef Scott, Ben Parag, and Augie Bello (Teddy Swims). Andrew graduated from Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music with a degree in jazz performance.
Andrew’s band On a Limb formed in 2016, initially as a way for three musicians to collectively practice free improvisation. As chemistry quickly developed, they began writing, performing, and recording original music, with their first release “Glimpse #1” dropping in November 2018. Andrew is the primary composer and arranger for the group, writing for the specific musical personalities of bassist Eden Marsh and drummer Charlie Schefft. Their compositional style has been described by fellow musicians as “honest and thoughtful, beautiful yet energetic, with a hint of mysteriousness and darkness.” While very much steeped in jazz’s rich history of piano trios, Andrew’s classical background, fascination with folk songwriting, and deep love of African American gospel music have all made their mark in influencing On a Limb’s unique sound. Their dynamic interplay is extremely identifiable, having been noted for their “effortless chemistry” (Jazzwise) and “telepathic improvisational skills” (Mike Breen, award-winning music editor). As of 2021, the trio has relocated to New York City, where they are actively performing and recording new music. Their latest album release, “When the Skies Parted,” received a 4-star review from Jazzwise, one of the world’s leading jazz publications. On a Limb has toured throughout the United States, including collaborations with artists such as Joel Ross, Nory, Aaron Lewys, Sweetbreads, and Glenn Zaleski.
Andrew started showing serious interest in music at age 9, picking out melodies at the keyboard and dancing in the living room to everything from Mozart to The White Stripes. Before reading music, Andrew played classical works of Beethoven and Chopin by listening to their father play them on the piano. After many years of formal classical training, at the age of 16 they quickly developed an interest in jazz after watching performances of the Thelonious Monk Quartet. Andrew has gone on to study with prominent jazz artists Shai Maestro, Steve Allee, Jon Cowherd, and Dan Karlsberg. Andrew credits much of their success to their classical teacher, Elaine Leung-Wolf, and her specialty in the Taubman approach to piano technique.
Andrew’s musical personality is multi-faceted. Having grown up on primarily classical music and indie rock, and additionally since their teenage years having developed an increasing interest in jazz, gospel, and R&B, Andrew has a broad palate that they strive to bring to their performance. They prefer to enter an open and clear mindset when performing, searching for an honest and selfless space that allows the music to flow naturally. Andrew is primarily an improviser, having a deep passion for spontaneous and creative expression. They also highly value a strong, well-thought-out musical composition. This strong sense for both freedom and structure within their music creates a unique and engaging juxtaposition.