Michael Kaeshammer

Having devoted seven years to classical piano studies in Germany, Kaeshammer—pronounced "case-hammer"—encountered boogie-woogie at age thirteen through the recordings of Albert Ammons, Meade Lux Lewis, Pete Johnson, and Pinetop Smith. Within three years, this young prodigy was performing the style across clubs, concerts, and festivals throughout Germany. Following his family's relocation to Canada's western coast, he quickly gained notice by captivating audiences at blues and jazz festivals in the summer of 1996. The progression in his debut trio of albums—Blue Keys from 1996, Tell You How I Feel in 1998, and No Strings Attached in 2000—reflected growing sophistication and creative development.