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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. He has performed throughout the United States and is 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 Joel Ross, Thesaurus Rex, Manisha Eerabathini, Sara Niemietz, Nicola Caminiti, MCP, Shevya, Ben Tiberio, RMS, Shef’s Kiss, Josiah Wolf (WHY?), and Art Gore (Herbie Hancock). Andrew graduated from Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music with a degree in jazz performance.
His 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 Ethan Marsh and drummer Charlie Schefft. His compositional style has been described by fellow musicians as “honest and thoughtful, beautiful yet energetic, with a hint of mysteriousness and darkness.” Having crafted a sound that reflects a wide range of influences, their dynamic interplay is uniquely identifiable. On a Limb has been noted for their deep chemistry and “telepathic improvisational skills,” according to award-winning music editor, Mike Breen. The band has toured actively since 2018, including shared performances with artists such as Nory, Animal Mother, Aaron Lewys, and Glenn Zaleski.
He started showing serious interest in music at age 9 when he started to pick out melodies of his favorite songs on the piano. Before reading music, he learned to play classical works of Beethoven and Chopin by listening to his father play them on the piano. After many years of formal classical training, at the age of 16 he quickly developed an interest in jazz when he started watching performances of the Thelonious Monk Quartet. Andrew has gone on to study with jazz greats such as Steve Allee, Kim Pensyl, and Phil DeGreg, as well as prominent artists such as Shai Maestro, Jon Cowherd, and Guy Mintus. Andrew credits much of his success to his 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 his teens having developed an increasing interest in jazz, hip hop, and R&B, Andrew has a broad palate that he strives to bring to his performance. He prefers to enter an open and clear mindset when he performs, searching for an honest and selfless space that allows the music to flow naturally. Primarily an improviser, he has a deep passion for spontaneous and creative expression. He also highly values a strong, well-thought-out musical composition. This strong sense for both freedom and structure within his music creates a unique and engaging juxtaposition.