Jazz pianist, composer, arranger, writer and educator, Per Danielsson is a native of
Stockholm, Sweden. Growing up with a jazz guitar-playing father, Per was exposed to
the sounds of Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans at an early age. After formal piano studies in
Sweden, which included lessons with Robert Malmberg and world-renowned jazz pianist
Bengt Hallberg, his love of jazz brought him across the ocean to attend the internationally
acclaimed North Texas State University. Per is an active performer, appearing often as a
guest artist, soloist, clinician, and sideman. His career has included performances with
many leading jazz artists and entertainers such as Louis Bellson, Clark Terry, Marvin
Stamm, Maureen McGovern, Benny Golson and Adrian Cunningham to mention a few.
As the pianist for Chuck Owen’s innovative and Grammy Nominated big band, The Jazz
Surge, Per has performed and/or recorded with Slide Hampton, Gerald Wilson, Neena
Freelon, Karrin Allyson, Bob Brookmeyer, Ingrid Jensen, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker
and Danny Gottlieb. He has also performed with Swedish jazz legends Arne Domnerus,
Jan Allan and Georg Reidel.
His most current CD release is his trio recording “Time Will Tell,” featuring Richard
Drexler and Marty Morell. He can be heard on Chuck Owen and the Jazz Surge’s
Grammy nominated CD’s A Comet’s Tail: Performing the compositions of Michael
Brecker, Whispers on the Wind” and “River Runs.” Per is pianist and producer for “Dear
Old Stockholm” and “Artwork”, both Swedish-American collaborations featuring
saxophonist Jack Wilkins and revered Swedish trumpeter Jan Allen. And as pianist in the
UCF Jazz Professors, Per has performed on the top charting CDs “The Jazz Professors
Live” “Do That Again” and “En Plein Air”.
Per completed his Master's degree in jazz studies, composition and arranging, studying
with one of the finest jazz writer/arrangers of today, Chuck Owen at the University of
South Florida in Tampa. He now holds the position of Professor of Jazz Piano
at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. Per also shares his knowledge in
current publications by Mel Bay including, Essential Jazz Lines in the style of Bill Evans,
Essential Jazz Lines in the style of Miles Davis. First Lesson – Piano, You can Teach
Yourself Jazz Chords, Real Book DVD and others.
In addition, Per is active in jazz education outreach. He has served on the Presidential
advisory board of the Jazz Education Network and is currently Artistic Director of the
American Jazz Pianist Competition. In 2016’s competition, Per held the position of
competition judge, along with Kenny Barron. The 2019 competition will be held on April
15 in New York at the Yamaha Show Room. Per is proud to be a Yamaha/Bosendorfer
Artist.
Disclosure information not submitted.
The Gottlieb/Danielsson Group, with Hans Backenroth & Harry Watters
Thursday, January 8, 2026
5:00 PM - 5:50 PM CST
