Dan Nimmer (born 1982) is an American jazz pianist and composer.
Early life Nimmer was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1982. He started playing the piano by ear.Keogh, Tom (June 28, 2008) "Jazz Pianist Dan Nimmer Shares the Key to His Success". The Seattle Times. He had classical music lessons, and studied jazz at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music from the age of 15. His parents also took him to hear local musicians perform, and he had the opportunity to play with them. While a student at Northern Illinois University, Nimmer continued playing in Chicago clubs.
Later life and career Nimmer moved to New York in 2004. The following year, he joined the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He also became pianist in a variety of bands led by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.Chinen, Nate (July 28, 2012) "Back to the '60s in a Bebop Mode". The New York Times. Nimmer's second recording as leader was Kelly Blue, a tribute to pianist Wynton Kelly.Conrad, Thomas (May 2007) "Dan Nimmer Trio – Kelly Blue". JazzTimes.
Playing style A 2012 reviewer commented that "The emphasis on melody during the set is noteworthy, as Nimmer never let his considerable chops dominate a piece for the sake of show. Here is a pianist who respects the song".Wilmeth, Tom (February 29, 2012) "Concert Review: The Dan Nimmer Trio". JazzTimes. An earlier reviewer of Kelly Blue praised Nimmer's emulation of Kelly, and queried "whether Nimmer's technique and intimacy with history will eventually lead to the development of a distinctive personal voice".
Discography An asterisk (*) indicates that the year is that of release.
As leader/co-leader Year recordedTitleLabelPersonnel/Notes2005Tea for TwoVenusTrio, with David Wong (bass), Pete Van Nostrand (drums)2006Kelly BlueVenusTrio, with John Webber (bass), Jimmy Cobb (drums)2007Yours Is My Heart AloneVenusTrio, with Peter Washington (bass), Lewis Nash (drums)2009Modern Day BluesVenusTrio, with David Wong (bass), Pete Van Nostrand (drums)2012All the Things You AreVenusTrio, with David Wong (bass), Pete Van Nostrand (drums)2012All the Things You AreVenusAs All the Things You Are, above; with Sayaka Tsuruta (vocals) on some tracks
As sideman Year recordedLeaderTitleLabel2007From the Plantation to the PenitentiaryBlue Note2007 and Wynton MarsalisTwo Men with the BluesBlue Note2009*He and SheBlue Note2009*Christmas Jazz JamCompass Productions2009 and Wynton MarsalisHere We Go Again: Celebrating the Genius of Ray CharlesBlue Note2009*The Sinatra SongbookHep2010*From Billie Holiday to Edith Piaf: Live in MarciacFuture Aco / Rampart Street Music2012All the Things You AreVenus
References