Born on 29 May 1957 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, Lynne Arriale began studying and performing piano while still a child. She later earned a master’s degree in classical music from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, yet soon found herself drawn toward jazz, especially the work of Keith Jarrett and Herbie Hancock. National and international touring helped establish her reputation, and her standing among fellow pianists was confirmed when she joined the 100 Golden Fingers tour of Japan in 1991 alongside Hank Jones, Tommy Flanagan, Cedar Walton, Kenny Barron and Monty Alexander. Two years later she received another honor by winning the International Great American Jazz Piano Competition.
Throughout the 1990s Arriale maintained an active global touring schedule, released several widely praised albums, and devoted time to teaching through master classes and clinics. She also joined the faculty of the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops. Her performances consistently demonstrate an ability to fuse the emotional depth of jazz with refined technical command, never allowing virtuosity to diminish expressive intensity. On numerous recordings, many of them featuring drummer Steve Davis, these qualities combine to define her singular sound and approach.
