Third Thursday Jazz feat. Adam Siegel & Galen Pittman

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On the Third Thursday of each month, join Matt Niedbalski and a rotating cast of talented, regional jazz musicians.

Adam Siegel, alto saxophone

Adam Siegel is an alto saxophonist with over a decade of experience as a jazz improviser. He graduated from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, where he was instructed by Philadelphia-based tenor saxophonists Ben Schachter and Chris Farr. Adam has shared the stage with such greats as Dick Oatts, Jon Gordon, Joe Magnarelli, Grant Stewart, Tani Tabbal, Jeff Coffin, Matt Mitchell, Michael Bisio, and Pete Seeger. In addition to leading his own groups, the Whisper Trio and the Adam Siegel Quartet, Adam is currently a member of the Tani Tabbal Trio, the Walter Donnaruma Group, the Dylan Perrillo Orchestra, the Sketches of Influence, and the Anwar Marshall Trio.

Galen Pittman, piano

Galen has been a performing pianist for fourteen years. Musician, painter and piano tuner Pittman has synthesized his love of art, music and sound into his jazz performance. He is eloquent describing his interest in piano tuning, “…to make something– it’s sound verging on ugliness–sound beautiful to the ear it’s as much an art as music as painting.” He has incorporated that passion into the music he interprets: Jazz standards from the Great American song book as well as the compositions of Charlie Parker, Lennie Tristano, and Thelonious Monk. Pittman has played with Skip Scott, Don Messina, Doug Weiss, Nick Lyons, Will Juhn, Adam Caine, and Rich Syracuse. The Galen Pittman Quartet has opened for legendary saxman, Dave Liebman at the Falcon.

Matt Niedbalski, drums

Matt Niedbalski is a drummer known for bringing musicality and energy to the bandstand. Born and raised in New York’s Capital District, Matt was exposed to music at a very early age. While in high school he took private drum lessons with drummer/author Ted Mackenzie and participated in the Empire State Youth Orchestra as well as the Skidmore Summer Jazz Institute. Before graduating high school Matt played with many local musicians, performing at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the Final Stretch Music Festival and the Lake George Jazz Festival where he opened for Rudresh Manthappa and Bunky Green.

In 2012, Matt was accepted into the jazz studies program at William Paterson University under the direction of Mulgrew Miller. While at William Paterson he studied privately with Bill Goodwin, Kevin Norton and Steve LaSpina. Matt participated in ensembles directed by Mulgrew Miller, Bill Charlap, Christian McBride and others. Matt performed as a member of the university ensembles at the William Paterson Jazz Room Series and Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola.

Since graduating William Paterson in 2016 Matt has performed at numerous festivals including the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival and Musikfest in Bethlehem PA. Matt has been featured on multiple recordings including “People and Places” by the Sam Javitch Quartet featuring Rich Perry, “What We Learn From the Trees” by the Giroux Brothers and “Tales” by Charles Cornell. “People and Places” release was celebrated with performances in New York City at Joe’s Pub and the Blue Note and received favorable reviews in publications such as the New York City Jazz Record, Textura and UK Vibe. “Tales” by Charles Cornell was released in 2019 and the albums lead single “Rise“ has over 50,000 views on Youtube. In addition to performing Matt also produces recordings. He has production credits on “Your Choice” and “Tales” by Charles Cornell and “What We Learn From the Tree’s” by the Giroux Brothers. Matt self released “Brothers“ a duo recording featuring himself and alto saxophonist Joel Cotton. The album was released on an independent label he founded named “2198 Records”. Matt is a fixture in the Albany jazz scene and can often be seen performing at Speakeasy 518, freelancing with various groups and leading his own ensembles. In 2021 his co-lead trio “GNP” with Tyler Giroux and Dylan Perrillo released their debut album “Codes” on ears&eyes Records. Matt endorses Vater drumsticks.

Doors: 7pm | Showtime: 7:30pm

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