Sam Rudin

Sam Rudin is an extraordinary pianist, with lightning-fast fingers, sure-handed clarity, and the rhythmic intensity of an entire band. He is also a compelling vocalist whose rough-hewn voice conveys both drama and humor.

He is a musical historian, whose repertoire reflects the whole range of American 20th century pop music, from blues to be-bop, from ragtime to rock'n'roll, and whose amusing and educational anecdotes help the listener make the connections.

And he is an exciting, high energy performer, whose enthusiasm on stage is as clear as his love for the blues, jazz, and country traditions from which his music comes.

Sam has worked with all types of musicians, playing rock'n'roll with Chubby Checker, western swing with Back in the Saddle, classic blues with Frankie Lee, and slick pop-soul with Sister Sledge. He has even worked with bluegrass great Frank Wakefield, who has proclaimed Sam to be the only true bluegrass piano player in the entire world. With his own band, Hurricane Sam and the Hotshots, he plays swing, blues, R&B, and funk.