Piedmont Piano Company is pleased to present an evening of vocal / piano jazz with
Stephanie Nakasian & Hod O'Brien

Saturday, March 3 at 8PM
at Piedmont Piano Company's new store located at
18th & San Pablo, Oakland (1728 San Pablo Ave.)

$15 - please call 510-547-8188 to reserve tickets with your credit card

Jazz fans all over the world revel in the opportunity to experience Hod O’Brien's spirited tempos and seasoned pure style as he sets the standard from ballads to bebop that is both rare and true. A master of bebop piano, Hod cut his teeth with Oscar Pettiford Quintet, replacing Bill Evans in the late 50's. A charter member of "the underground of jazz renowned" Hod is being “discovered in his prime” having played with people like Art Farmer, Stan Getz, and Donald Byrd. He's had a number of triumphant tours in Japan and has been featured on the cover of Jazz Journal magazine (England) and in a feature article in Jazz Times, to name a few. Hod continues to record a lot as a leader with 9 CDs out since 2004. He was selected as one of 10 pianists to perform in Japan on the Fujitsu 100 Gold Fingers Tour, along with Kenny Barron, Cedar Walton, Junior Mance, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Cyrus Chestnut, Benny Green, Don Friedman, Joao Donato and Gerald Clayton. As well, he has two recordings on the Fresh Sound label featuring West Coast greats Tom Warrington and Paul Kreibich. In 2010 Hod released his solo CD "Solo for Chet" followed by "It Don't Mean A Thing" in 2011 receiving great acclaim for its perfectly excecuted standards and sharp solos. Hod was recently featured Marian McPartland’s “Piano jazz.”

"A masterful bop-based improviser... his lines unfolding with an impressive blend of precision and propulsive swing." - Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times

"Unsung hero of Jazz... master of classic bebop piano" - Scott Yanow, L.A. Scene


Known as one of the world’s leading jazz singers, Stephanie Nakasian takes audiences on a melodic voyage, fresh and authentic that transcends the Great Ladies of Song in both tribute and originality. Capturing the heart of audiences with her extensive repertoire Stephanie creates an atmosphere of romance and excitement transporting listeners to another place and time. A prolific recording artist with 12 celebrated albums, including her previous “Billie Remembered” which was featured on NPR’s “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross. Concert appearances as a featured artist include performances with Urbie Green, Pat Metheny, Bobby McFerrin, Milt Hinton, Clark Terry, J.R. Monterose, Joe Temperly, Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen, Sheila Jordan, Bob Dorough, Valery Ponomarev and (with Jon Hendricks) Philly Joe Jones, Roy Haynes, and Annie Ross to name a few. Stephanie's soon to be released CD, "Show Me the Way" (May 2012) dynamically breaks the guidelines of bar-lines and rhythms from her traditional swing and bebop roots with exuberant poly-rhythms and exotic harmonies in a voice that is fresh and expressively invigorating!

"Straight from the heart singing!" Dave Nathan, Allaboutjazz.com

“Again, she has proven an immediate impression of freshness, vitality and reality of how a song should be conveyed to the listener” Johnny Adams, The Monterey County Post

Hod & Steph on the California Scene
It was in the mid-80's that San Francisco first heard the crystaline vocals of Stephanie, appearing with Jon Hendricks and Company at the Fairmont Hotel. Since then, Stephanie has returned as a featured guest of the Jim Cullum Band for the syndicated Public Radio show “Riverwalk” - recorded at Filoli and as a soloist performing with pianist Larry Vuckovich. Stephanie’s appearances in tribute to Kenton singer June Christy at Ken Poston’s events in L.A. and Long Beach are documented as triumphs that led to her highly lauded tribute CD to Christy. Together, Stephanie and Hod have performed at the Napa Valley Jazz Festival and Pearl’s, and have appeared in L.A., Long Beach, San Diego and Monterey, Carmel as well as numerous private house concerts.