Remarkable Fifth-Grade Jazz Pianist, Giz Mutlu, Baffles Science

Giz Mutlu

Giz Mutlu is a fifth-grader in the Bloomfield Public Schools. She’s also an accomplished bebop pianist. At 10, she became the youngest musician to ever perform at Dizzy’s Club within Lincoln Center in New York City. She’s an honor student, who, at six, joined Jazz House Kids, one of the nation’s leading jazz education organizations. Now 11, she performs in the group Chica Power and has collaborated with such renowned stars as Angelique Kidjo and Michelle Rosewoman.

“I am a Turkish-American jazz pianist dedicated to developing a strong artistic voice rooted in the bebop tradition, creativity, and disciplined musicianship,” she says.  “My musical journey began at age five, and since then I have focused on deepening my understanding of jazz, expanding my improvisational language, and growing as a performer. As I continue to evolve, I hope to collaborate with inspiring musicians, share my sound with diverse audiences, and contribute meaningfully to the jazz community.”

Advertisement
Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

Next
Next

Chinese Dance Company’s Free Newark Parade