Bruce David Barth (born September 7, 1958) is a jazz pianist, composer, and producer.
Early life Barth was born in Pasadena, California, on September 7, 1958. He started to play the piano around the age of five. He had private jazz lessons with pianist Norman Simmons from 1978 to 1980 and studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in the early 1980s, including under Jaki Byard and George Russell.
Later life and career Barth moved to New York in 1988, where he was part of groups led by Stanley Turrentine (1989–90) and Terence Blanchard (1990–94). Barth's first album as a leader, In Focus, was released by Enja Records and was based around standards. The follow-up, Morning Call, was also released by Enja and the material was mostly Barth originals. He has led his own small groups since 1993, and has been a freelance pianist and arranger. He was on the teaching faculty of the Berklee College of Music from 1985 to 1988 and Long Island University from 1990. He has also been a record producer, including for vocalist Carla Cook.
Discography An asterisk (*) indicates that the year is that of release.
As leader Year recordedTitleLabelPersonnel/Notes1993*In FocusEnjaQuintet, with Scott Wendholt (trumpet, flugelhorn), Steve Wilson (alto sax, soprano sax), Robert Hurst (bass), Lewis Nash (drums)1994*Morning CallEnjaWith Scott Wendholt (trumpet, flugelhorn), Steve Wilson (alto sax, soprano sax), Larry Grenadier (bass), Leon Parker (drums)1997Don't Blame MeDouble-TimeTrio, with Ed Howard (bass), Billy Drummond (drums)1998Hope Springs EternalDouble-TimeQuartet, with Steve Wilson (alto sax, soprano sax, flute), Ed Howard (bass), Adam Cruz (drums)1999Where Eagles FlyFresh SoundWith Sam Newsome (soprano sax), Pat O'Leary (bass), Adam Cruz (drums)2000Somehow It's TrueDouble-TimeWith Terell Stafford (trumpet), Adam Kolker (tenor sax, soprano sax), Ugonna Okegwo (bass), Billy Hart (drums), Duduka DaFonseca (percussion)2000East and WestMaxjazzWith Terell Stafford (trumpet, flugelhorn), Steve Wilson (alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet), Sam Newsome (soprano sax), Adam Kolker (tenor sax, bass clarinet), Ugonna Okegwo (bass), Al Foster (drums)2000American LandscapeSatchmo JazzSolo piano2002Live at the Village VanguardMaxjazzTrio, with Ugonna Okegwo (bass), Al Foster (drums); in concert2007*Live at Maxjazz Cafe del TeatreQuadrantWith Montez Coleman (drums); DVD2010*HomeWe Always SwingWith Steve Wilson (alto sax, soprano sax); in concert2010Live at SmallsSmalls LiveTrio, with Vicente Archer (bass), Rudy Royston (drums); in concert2012Three Things of BeautySavantMost tracks quartet, with Steve Nelson (vibraphone), Ben Street (bass), Dana Hall (drums); one track duo, with Nelson (vibraphone)2014*DaybreakSavantWith Terell Stafford (trumpet), Steve Nelson (vibraphone), Vicente Archer (bass), Montez Coleman (drums)
As sideman Year recordedLeaderTitleLabel1992JubilationMuse1993Blues for MarcusCriss Cross1995Four for TimeCriss Cross1998The Hidden LightSony2005Taking Chances: Live at the DakotaMaxjazz2011This Side of StrayhornMaxjazz2015Brotherlee Love: Celebrating Lee MorganCapri
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