Brandon Goldberg DEBUT Residency

Award-winning pianist Brandon Goldberg makes his debut at Black Cat for a multi-night residency, bringing his acclaimed trio format to San Francisco. At just 18, Goldberg has already earned critical praise for his "unassailable technique, advanced harmonic understanding, and deep sense of swing," performing at leading festivals like Newport Jazz and prestigious venues including Birdland and Dizzy's Club.

Goldberg draws from the jazz piano tradition of masters like Ahmad Jamal, Oscar Peterson, Sonny Clark, and Bill Charlap, modernizing classic sounds for today's listeners. His repertoire spans jazz standards, bebop classics, and original compositions that showcase both technical prowess and emotional depth. Recent reviews of his Live at Dizzy's (2024) recording highlight his "kusursuz zaman algısı" (perfect sense of time), seamless communication with his bandmates, and ability to "resolve self-imposed conundrums" while facilitating three-way musical conversation.

For this residency, Goldberg performs with bassist David Wong and drummer Aaron Kimmel — the same trio lineup that has earned acclaim for their cohesive interplay and "unwavering commitment to the music." DownBeat noted that Goldberg "navigated both sets with aplomb and inspiration, comping surefootedly and uncorking melodic improvisations," while reviewers consistently praise his ability to balance fierce technical skill with genuine heart and musical storytelling.

Black Cat's intimate jazz supper club atmosphere — split across two levels with sophisticated upstairs dining and a speakeasy-style lounge below — provides the perfect setting for Goldberg's exploration of the piano trio tradition. The venue's 100-person capacity ensures every seat feels close to the action, where guests can experience Goldberg's remarkable journey from child prodigy to mature artist who "pays respect to the past whilst modernising it for today's listeners."

Expect an evening of swinging standards, innovative arrangements of familiar tunes, and original compositions that demonstrate why this young pianist is being hailed as one of jazz's most promising voices.