Thomas Linger

Thomas Linger is a New York pianist and composer known for a bebop-rooted style built on formidable technique and lyrical, melodically inventive playing. Originally from Waynesville, North Carolina, he won first place in the American Jazz Pianist Competition before settling in New York, where he studied with Barry Harris, George Coleman, and Fred Hersch. In 2023 he was named a finalist in the American Pianist Awards. His debut album, Out In It, was recorded at the Van Gelder Studio and released in 2022 on Cellar Live with Peter Bernstein, Yasushi Nakamura, and Joe Farnsworth, and it reached the top of the JazzWeek chart. He has held residencies at Smalls, Mezzrow, and Ornithology.