Michael Orenstein Trio

Award-winning pianist and composer Michael Orenstein, a mainstay sideman of the LA jazz scene, finally brings his own trio to Sam First in his debut as a leader.

Originally from Berkeley, CA, Orenstein was surrounded by a vibrant jazz community at a young age. Through programs like the SFJazz All-Stars Combo and the CJC studio band, Orenstein had the chance to play with Terrence Blanchard, Christian McBride, Wycliffe Gordon, in addition to many local greats. Orenstein graduated from Oberlin Conservatory in 2017, and completed his masters at USC Thornton in 2021 where he began his mentorships with Dan Wall and Alan Pasqua respectively.  Having toured in South Africa, Cuba, and the Bahamas with local musicians, as well as with Chilean vocalist and guitarist Camila Meza, Orenstein’s sounds draws from the music of many places, yet remains grounded in the modern jazz and hard bop idioms of his upbringing.

Orenstein's music…