Don Stille
jazz piano
jazz accordion
composer

Chicago-based pianist and accordionist Don Stille proves he is . . . an artist to be reckoned with," says Howard Reich, Music Critic for the Chicago Tribune. . . .The fluidity of his technique, the depth of his tone and the intellectual sophistication of his improvisations firmly established him as a polished and accomplished artist."

Born and educated in St. Louis, Missouri, Don began formal music instruction at the age of 5. He has performed throughout the country with a long list of nationally and internationally acclaimed jazz artists which include Clark Terry, Red Holloway, Roy Hargrove, Terry Gibbs, Ira Sullivan, Eddie Daniels, Doc Severinsen, Lew Soloff, The New York Voices, Peter Erskine, Claudio Roditi, Mark Murphy, Marlena Shaw; and he opened for Herbie Hancock and Stephane Grappelli.

Some of his achievements include: being proclaimed the Mainstream Jazz Pianist of the Year by the Twin Cities Jazz Society in Minnesota; house pianist and often-featured jazz artist on National Public Radio's "First House on the Right" (broadcast weekly across the country); and finalist in The Great American Jazz Piano Competition at Jacksonville, Florida (a national competition). He recently appeared at the Elkhart Jazz Festival as one of the featured All-Stars.

In listening to a Don Stille performance, be it live or recorded, one shares in a musical experience that is rich in stylistic diversity. From ragtime to stride, mainstream to bebop, high energy latin to hard-driving straight-ahead jazz, Don's skills are all-encompassing and complete on the highest artistic level. At the same time he can approach a ballad using his own ultimately personal, deeply musical blend of tasteful restraint and melodic intensity.

Don's other instrument of choice is the accordion, played in a totally jazz way with completely unique virtuosic skill. His latest CD project, "Keys to My Heart," features him on accordion as well as piano and is available at cdbaby.com or by contacting him at dfstille@mac.com, or by phone: 847-519-9252.

Don continues to perform full-time in a variety of venues: jazz clubs, jazz festivals, recording studios, clinics and concerts, including a week performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on accordion.

". . ..[Stille] plays with style, not to mention warmth, intelligence and perception. . . . Stille is an accomplished pianist, and in his capable hands the accordion is far more than a novelty instrument."
Jack Bowers
All About Jazz

"Don Stille's "Keys to My Heart" showcases a masterful performance by one of the best pianist/musicians in the jazz world today." " . . . Stille succeeds in making a powerful musical statement with this recording that jazz critics and audiences alike are sure to notice."
Ed Blanco
eJazz News