Pianist John Nilsen is one of the most successful recording artists in the Northwest. With close to 700,000 records sold, Nilsen can be seen performing his original instrumental pieces of jazz, classical, folk and rock throughout the United States and elsewhere in the world. Look for his music on the Magic Wing record label, founded by Nilsen in 1986.

INFLUENCES & BACKGROUND

Influenced by The Beatles, Neil Young, Pat Metheny Group, Bruce Cockburn and others, Nilsen, a graduate of Southern Oregon University and winner of the Distinguished Alumnus Award, performed as a guitarist/vocalist in many folk and rock bands in the ’70s and ’80s before dedicating himself to recording fifteen piano based recordings. John is currently recording a collection of piano solos for his next release. Born in 1956 in Seattle, Washington, John and family have been residents of Oregon since 1960.

PERFORMANCES

John currently performs solo piano concerts, concerts with the John Nilsen Trio and can also be seen performing with his guitar/vocal band, Swimfish. Read more about John on his site.