Interview with Jazz Pianist Jeremy Kahn

By Thomas Gunther

July 22, 2025

Jazz Piano

About my interview with jazz pianist Jeremy Kahn

In 2023, I had the privilege of interviewing the renowned Chicago jazz pianist Jeremy Kahn. Jeremy has been a member of Chicago's first-call jazz musicians lineup for decades, admired for his versatility, sound, feel, and professionalism.

Jeremy performed with many of the greats, like Dizzy Gillespie, Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Max Roach, Phil Woods, Teramasu Hino, Charlie Haden, and Barbara Cook, to name a few.

The first time I heard him perform live in Chicago, I was immediately captivated by his beautiful touch (sound), as well as his amazing musical feel, pianistic skill, and harmonic approach.

In this interview, he shares how he became such an amazing jazz pianist and gives us invaluable insights and tips about what it takes to become a professional jazz pianist.

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This is amazing! Great insight and inspiration to the piano and the wonderful artist that makes it sound so beautiful. I look forward to upcoming videos.

Thomas Gunther says:

July 24, 2025 at 2:47 pm

Thanks a lot, Jim. That really means a lot coming from you!

Reply

Thomas Gunther

About the author

Thomas Gunther, also known as Thommy Günther in Germany, is a highly versatile jazz pianist, keyboardist, music producer, and educator with international recognition. He was born and raised in Germany, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Performing Jazz and Popular Music from the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart.

After relocating to Chicago, Thomas quickly became the principal pianist for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, which is directed by the esteemed music arranger and composer William Russo. In this role, he had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned artists such as Randy Brecker, Body DiFranco, Archie Shepp, Jon Faddis, Cassandra Wilson, and Orbert Davis.

Currently, Thomas is an integral part of the Chicago music scene, performing with various groups both as a sideman and as a leader. He heads the Thomas Gunther Trio Plus and has toured Germany with the Thomas Gunther’s Taste Of Chicago Band. In addition to his performance career, he has produced, arranged, and recorded a substantial body of work, serving both in leadership roles and as a collaborator.

Thomas also provides music arranging and orchestration services for ensembles of all sizes, including contributions to the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. As an educator, he shares his expertise as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia College Chicago. For more information about Thomas, visit https://www.ThomasGunther.com.