Tardo Hammer Explained

Tardo Hammer
Birth Name:Richard Hammer
Alias:Tardo Hammer
Birth Date:February 26, 1958
Birth Place:New York
Genre:Jazz
Instrument:Piano
Years Active:1970's-present
Label:Cellar Live, Sharp Nine

Richard Alan "Tardo" Hammer (born February 26, 1958, New York City) is an American jazz pianist.

Hammer's mother is an amateur pianist.[1] He worked with Richie Vitale in the 1980s and also played with Warne Marsh, Charlie Rouse, Junior Cook, Bill Hardman, Johnny Griffin, Lionel Hampton, Lou Donaldson, and Art Farmer and Clifford Jordan. A member of Bopera House starting in 1986, he shared leader duties in the group with John Marshall after 1988. He played with Vernel Fournier, George Coleman, Gary Bartz, C. Sharpe, Al Cohn, Harold Ashby, and Annie Ross in the 1990s. Long time pianist and musical director for vocalist Annie Ross, has worked with other notable vocalists including David Allyn, Teri Thornton, Abbey Lincoln, Earl Coleman and Marilyn Moore. Recordings include trio CDs on Sharp Nine Records and Cellar Live. Still active as performer, sideman and teacher in New York City.

Notes and References

  1. Gary W. Kennedy, "Tardo Hammer". The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz. 2nd edition, ed. Barry Kernfeld.