A Tribute to the Jazz Messengers Pianists

In this solo piano performance, Israeli pianist, composer, and arranger Hila Kulik honors the iconic pianists who helped shape the sound of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers—one of the most important groups of modern jazz. From co-founder Horace Silver to Bobby Timmons, Cedar Walton, Mulgrew Miller, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Benny Green, these artists defined generations of hard bop and beyond.

A graduate of the Queens College Master’s Program in Jazz Performance, Kulik brings to this project her rich international experience, having performed worldwide and collaborated with leading jazz artists such as Cyrille Aimée, Wayne Tucker, and Antonio Hart. Known for her deep sense of swing, melodic clarity, and thoughtful arrangements, Kulik reinterprets the Jazz Messengers’ piano legacy through a personal and contemporary lens—honoring tradition while speaking in her own unique voice.