"A World of Piano” - a solo piano series curated by GRAMMY®-winning composer and pianist Geoffrey Keezer. Named after Keezer’s favorite album by the great jazz pianist Phineas Newborn, Jr., “A World of Piano” will showcase an extraordinary lineup of emerging voices, marquee performers, and forward-thinking artists who embody the present and future of improvised piano music.
Christian Sands is a Steinway Artist, Grammy-nominated pianist, composer, and educator recognized internationally for his dynamic artistry, stylistic versatility, and deep commitment to the jazz tradition. Possessing a formidable technique paired with a highly expressive musical voice, Sands bridges the past, present, and future of jazz while expanding its reach across genres and global audiences.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Sands began piano studies at age four, composed his first piece at five, and was performing professionally by age ten. He studied at the Neighborhood Music School and the Educational Center for the Arts before earning both Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degrees from the Manhattan School of Music. Early in his career, he became a protégé of the legendary Dr. Billy Taylor, an influence that shaped his dedication to jazz education, mentorship, and cultural preservation.
Sands has released multiple critically acclaimed recordings as a leader on Mack Avenue Records, including Reach, Be Water, Christmas Stories, and Embracing Dawn. His album Be Water earned a Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Composition and a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album (Instrumental), affirming his position as a leading voice of his generation.
A longtime member of the Christian McBride Trio and the ensemble Inside Straight, Sands has toured and recorded extensively worldwide, appearing on Grammy-nominated projects and performing at major festivals and venues. His collaborations include work with Gregory Porter on Nat King Cole & Me alongside arranger Vince Mendoza and the London Studio Orchestra, performances with Sheila E., and featured appearances in international concert presentations of Philip Glass’s Etudes.
In recognition of his artistic contributions, Sands has been awarded the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters from the French Ministry of Culture and the LINX Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award. He remains deeply committed to education, leading masterclasses and residencies internationally while continuing to shape the evolving language of contemporary jazz.
