Álvaro Torres

Biography
Press

Pianist and composer Álvaro Torres is an emerging voice in New York City's creative jazz scene. His life has been shaped by an international trajectory, leading him to live in a variety of places such as Kathmandu, Barcelona, Copenhagen, and Berlin, experiences that have profoundly influenced his music. Since his debut album in 2019, "Specious Present", Álvaro has released three more albums as a leader for record labels like Sunnyside Records and Fresh Sound New Talent, featuring notable collaborations with musicians such as Barry Altschul, Tony Malaby, John Hébert, and Kresten Osgood. His music blends post-bop and improvisation, drawing from elements of Spanish folklore and his strong classical music background. Influences include Ornette Coleman, Paul Bley, Brahms, and Isaac Albéniz.

Born in Madrid, Álvaro began studying classical piano at a young age. In 2012, he moved to Nepal to teach at the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, collaborating with Hindustani musicians. Subsequently, he received scholarships to study at the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona and participated in an exchange program with the University of North Texas.

In 2018, he recorded "A Peaceful Place," a collaborative trio with Ines Kolleritsch and Santiago Sandoval, touring Colombia alongside Antonio Arnedo. In 2019, he commenced a European Jazz Master at the Rhythmic Music Conservatory, taking him to Copenhagen and Berlin. During this period, he collaborated with prominent figures in the European scene, showcasing his quartet "Cadencia" with Philipp Gropper, commissioned by L'Auditori in Barcelona, as well as his trio with Kresten Osgood and Joel Illerhag. In 2020, he was awarded a full scholarship to study at the Manhattan School of Music, where he completed a Master in Jazz Studies under Aaron Parks.

In New York City, he formed a trio with the legendary Barry Altschul and John Hébert, performing at renowned venues like The Jazz Gallery and Mezzrow, and recording the album "Iris" (Sunnyside 2024). Concurrently, he initiated a new project with Tony Malaby, Masa Kamaguchi, and Kresten Osgood, captured in "Álvaro Torres Quartet - Live in Barcelona" (Fresh Sound 2024).

Presently, Álvaro teaches at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, balancing his teaching commitments with performances in the United States and Europe.