Biography:

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Tim Chernikoff is a master of piano-powered jazz artistry. The jazz pianist and composer has captivated audiences on the world stage, forging a unique musical identity that weaves together the rich traditions of bebop and swing with a fresh, contemporary perspective. According to two-time Grammy Award-winning pianist Taylor Eigsti, Chernikoff “takes the listener on a fascinating and crazy adventure every time.”

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As an up-and-coming artist, Chernikoff has traversed the US, performing alongside world-class musicians. His academic journey spans the West Coast (Stanford Jazz Workshop), Southwest (North Texas), and East Coast (Manhattan School of Music), giving him a rich tapestry of educational and professional experiences. Initially focused on the craft of group improvised music during his college studies, Chernikoff honed his skills by learning from esteemed mentors like Stefan Karlsson, Dan Haerle, Taylor Eigsti, Phil Markowitz, and Gary Dial. While performing and sitting in with magnificent talents such as Adonis Rose and Christian McBride, he consistently absorbed lessons from each moment, allowing his style to evolve organically.

Chernikoff’s music is an exploration of the human experience, filled with intensity and sensitivity, humor, and the essence of tragedy. His compositions invite listeners to embark on their own journey, presenting the emotional landscapes of life through intricate melodies and harmony that continually resonate.

In the 2021 Best Of Round-up by AnEarful Music Blog, critic Jeremy Shatan declared, “For sheer beauty, I'm not sure if any recent jazz record betters it. There's a striking emotional honesty in the chord sequences and melodies that reminds me of Steely Dan at their most reflective.”

In 2025, Chernikoff will embark on an exciting new chapter, taking his music to fresh vicissitudes. Drawing from profound life experiences, he will form a dynamic trio and bring his transformative sound on a tour across the US and Europe. As audiences discover his evolving artistry, Chernikoff looks forward to unveiling his next album in late 2026, marking another significant milestone in his music journey.

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Press Reviews:

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“Attacks the piano with pace and confidence... Hints of Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett and Herbie Hancock... His own compositions…emphasize sound textures and moods... It’s clear [that] Chernikoff is a hugely proficient player.”

      -The Progressive Aspect

"Working with drummer Kenneth Salters and bassist Jakob Dreyer, it's not that Chernikoff takes the piano trio anywhere radically new, rather it's that he is so damned good at what the form does best... There's a striking emotional honesty to the chord sequences and melodies that reminds me of Steely Dan at their most reflective.... confidence and mastery"

       -Jeremy Shatan, AnEarful Jazz Blog

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Artist Brief:

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Off of the wake of his debut album "Pieces of Sanity [2021]" featuring Kenneth Salters and Jakob Dreyer, Chernikoff is composing and premiering a new set of compositions for his second album marked for late 2025 release, while documenting the process to share with fans and students alike.  Recognized by critics as a 'Hugely proficient player' [The Progressive Aspect] and 'So damned good at what the form does best' [An Earful Jazz Blog], the pianist carves out an adventurous yet mature approach to performing and improvising that invokes the attention of audiences young and old.