Joe Cea
- New Orleans, LA
- Pianist
- 9 Verified Bookings
Shawn G. said “Joe arrived early to acquaint to setting and piano, played beautifully and continually lovely jazz and show tunes, most guests complimented that Joe played…”
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I am a professional jazz pianist that specializes in wedding ceremonies and private events. I play elegant jazz and classical piano in the style of Errol Garner, Oscar Peterson, and Bill Evans that works perfectly as background music for dinners and cocktail hours. I also learn any song by request to play for wedding ceremonies as you walk down the isle.
My husband and I hired Nat for our wedding reception! Him and his combo were amazing! I gave him just a general outline for what I wanted to be played at the reception. (Jazz music of all kinds) He pulled this off without a hitch. We also told him what we wanted our first dance song to be and he picked a very nice version to play for us. My mom wanted to sing at the reception and with only one run through of the song he had it down and did an amazing job! He was very fun to watch play and also brought a very uplifting feeling to my reception. He did everything we expected him to. He announced my husband and I coming into the reception, announced what was going on, and had a fun time doing it! As the reception drew to a close we were privileged to listen to Nat sing as well. That was a very nice surprise! He has a very good voice! Overall, Nat went above and beyond for our reception! He portrayed the feeling we wanted to have through his vast extent of music knowledge! I would highly recommend Nat for any function you would need live music at.
Price Range: $100-600
Gig Length: 15 - 240 minutes
Languages: English
When I'm hired for a dinner, cocktail hour or corporate event... I play from an extensive list of jazz standards and american songbook tunes. I taylor my volume so that I stay under conversation and don't overpower anyone. For some events I can even bring a bass and drummer and perform as a 3 piece jazz trio. The repertoire for this set up is the same but the sound is richer.
For wedding ceremonies... I generally start before the guests arrive and play background music for a half hour or so. Normally the bride and groom pick three songs. One as the wedding party arrives, a second as they themselves walk down the isle, and a final song as the guests leave. These songs are up to the couple and can be anything they want. I've played everything from the traditional classical wedding marches, to John Legend, to Mumford and Sons and even Queen. It's a lot of fun to see all the different songs couples choose, and I'm happy to learn anything they want and play an instrumental version.
I attended the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music and graduated with a B.M. in Jazz and Commercial Piano. Not only have I studied intensely with local fixture Eric Gunnison, but also with internationally touring artist Gerri Allen and even with jazz legend Billy Taylor at a summer music institute in Amherst, Mass. I won the Clarke Terry award for outstanding musicianship and was a recipient of the Cherrington Global Scholarship, a grant that allowed me to spend a year performing and studying in Australia.
Since graduating college I have worked as the pianist on cruise ships and have performed in the Mediterranean, Hawaii, South America, and French Polynesia. While in Denver my group performed weekly at Baur's Lounge as host for their weekly jazz session. I was also named one of Colorado's 30 jazz musicians under 30 by radio station KUVO.
I recently moved to New Orleans where I perform and tour as a side man in several groups. Bands of mine have been featured on WWL's morning show, and House of Blues New Orleans. I play regularly at Spotted Cat and The Roosivelt Hotel. I also tour internationally with Reggae artists Peter Lloyd and Stephanie Hana of Groundation
I have 100% of my own equipment, speakers, keyboard, and stand. All I need the venue to provide is a power outlet near my performance space. (However, if this is impossible I have a portable battery that I can use, as long as I know before hand.) My keyboard is a Nord Stage 2 (which means I can play organ, orchestra sounds and fender rhodes as well as piano) and my speaker is a QSC K8 a top of the line speaker known for it's clear sound. Also if the venue happens to have a piano there I'm happy to play it. If needed I can bring a microphones to amplify toasts or a wedding ceremony. Finally, my gear is pretty susceptible to water damage. I can't play outside during rain, but otherwise I have very few tech requirements.
I have a full set list of over 200 songs, but what I play at a given event is up to the client. For wedding ceremonies, feel free to ask for anything and I will learn it.
Errol Garner
Bill Evans
JS Bach
Oscar Peterson
Herbie Handcock
Fredrick Chopin
Nat King Cole
Keith Jarrett
Claude Debussy
Postmodern Jukebox
one power outlet (optional)
Shawn G. said “Joe arrived early to acquaint to setting and piano, played beautifully and continually lovely jazz and show tunes, most guests complimented that Joe played…”
Kiki M. said “Absolutely amazing ensemble! I am so thrilled with this group. It was everything that I could have hoped for. They go above and beyond and made it an…”
Marina G. said “The entire experience with Felix and Fingers was terrific. We couldn't have asked for a better performer than Calvin, who is so talented and was…”
Erin A. said “Gabriel was awesome! He came early and made our party so fun. All our guests enjoyed the live music and being able to request songs.”