Eric D. Wortham II

Artist Information

Biography

Gifted with hands that bring keys to life, Eric D. Wortham II has been captivating audiences for years. From a young age, Eric’s heart desire was to play the piano. With this in mind, his father prayed that God would anoint his hands for service. At the tender age of nine, Eric began learning to play the piano. He would later study the classical mastery of composers such as, Bach, Haydn and Scarlatti.

At the High School for Creative & Performing Arts (CAPA), Eric learned to play jazz under the teachings of musical director, Dr. Kevin Rodgers. During his training with Dr. Rodgers, Eric was introduced to the sounds and musical style of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Dr. Rodgers’ influence on Eric allowed him to discover the path in which he wanted to go. However, Eric had to learn to balance playing the new music styles that he loved and the church music that he was accustomed to from his youth. This caused Eric to develop a style all his own that has resulted in the release of his debut album, appropriately entitled, “When I Became Myself”.

Eric is an extremely gifted pianist/composer and was the recipient of the year 2000 Piano Prodigy Award. At only 21 years old, Eric teaches piano, and has played at The Clef Club, Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, Zanzibar’s, and Warmdaddy’s among others, all in Philadelphia, and has created a buzz in numerous cities including New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Baltimore, Trenton, Miami and in Bermuda! Eric is described as “electrifying” in his live performance

A premier artist on LGR Records, Eric’s musical capabilities has allowed him to accompany many of the other artists on the record label roster, as well as to accompany and collaborate with numerous artist such as Vivian Green, Jeff Bradshaw, Warren Cooper, Tony Granberry, Jill Scott, and Music SoulChild.

Whether performing alone or collaborating with other artists, Eric possesses the poise and pizzazz to leave audiences speechless!

Instrumentation

Discography

When I Became Myself
Eric D. Wortham II "Live"

Audio

• Streets Of Gold
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• Is There Anybody Here
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• I Dream of Heaven
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Video

ERIC D. WORTHAM II

Photo Gallery

Press

• Pianist's jazz branches from his gospel roots [+ Show ]
  

  Kevin Rogers- Director of jazz studies at Philadelphia's High School for Creative and Performing Art...Kevin Rogers- Director of jazz studies at Philadelphia's High School for Creative and Performing Arts
  
  "He's a phenomenally gifted player who came to us as a vocal major and, fortunately, he became an instrumental major and began developing his gifts, which are extraordinary. The progress he made during the time he was with us was far ahead of anyone in my 20 years here. Eric, once he became aware of other styles and genres, developed at an incredible rate of speed and is still growing. The CD is only the beginning. He is capable of moving way beyond this and certainly will."
  
  -The Times , Friday, October 24, 2003
  

• Extraordinary Talent [+ Show ]
  

  "When Eric was here to play with Vivian we had a chance to talk for a few minutes and exchange ide..."When Eric was here to play with Vivian we had a chance to talk for a
  few minutes and exchange ideas about music and what makes it so
  important to both of us. He played a piece by Scott Joplin that he had
  moved away from the original ragtime feel and into something more of
  his own.
  What struck me about the piece was this; He played as if he was
  risking everything. It gave the piece a sense of urgency, that he
  might fail at the next turn but he didn't, it just became more exciting
  as he continued. It was a true journey, an invitation to travel
  somewhere through music where the outcome wasn't certain, and all the
  way to the end his own joy in being swept up in it was present. When I
  drove home that evening I thought about Bill Evans and Miles and
  Coltrane and the magic that had happened on Kind of Blue. The
  environment had been created where something more than notes had been
  recorded. It is all to rare in my experience to meet someone that is
  willing to go into a place in themselves and look for more than the
  notes, more than what has already been played or expressed. Its a kind
  of bravery to risk beyond what is comfortable and trust what you find
  there.
  It is the difference between listening to a good player and being
  invited to share an experience.
  
  "Its hard to sum up this kind of thing. All I can tell you is
  that once in a while you meet someone that wants to go beyond the
  surface and create something meaningful and lasting. I believe Eric is
  one those people."
  
  Philip Nowlan- Angle Mountain studios
  
  
  

Setlist

Eric D. Wortham II is available for personal appearances in a variety of configurations:

Eric D. Wortham II Trio
Consists of three (3) musicians who are all featured throughout the show. Arrangements include a two (2) man crew for a total of five (5) persons.

Eric D. Wortham II Quartet
This configuration adds a sax to the mix for a total of four (4) musicians. Travel Arrangements: 6 persons

Eric D. Wortham II Quintet
Adding Trumpet for a total of five (5) musicians. Travel Arrangements: 7 persons.

Eric is also available for solo performances (A grand piano is required).

Basic Requirements

Calendar