“Pamies is telling us not to put him in a box. He can play it all (…)”
“Intricate. Funky. Soulful. Best if played LOUD (…)”
“Never seeking to overshadow others in this album, it takes time to deeply listen to his piano playing. Sergio Pamies himself is truly impressive, making one realize how fortunate students at the University of Cincinnati are to have him as a professor (…)”
“Pamies highlights his substantial bop fluency, and his engaging piano statements are harmonically rich and technically adroit, without needless excess: the economy of Pamies’ playing leads to some smart, carefully structured solos…”
“Pamies' playing is as good as his composing (…)”
“Pamies’ piano improvisation further emphasizes the emotional depth of the piece, making it one of the album’s most poignant moments and showing that Pamies not only has chops but knows how and when to focus on emotions versus technique (…) Time to Say reveals Sergio Pamies’ mastery as a composer, ensemble leader, and performer (…)”
“Time to Say is a blend of cultural and musical influences, showcasing Pamies’ exceptional talent as a composer and performer. The album’s thoughtful compositions, skillful arrangements, and heartfelt tributes create a compelling narrative that resonates with listeners. Pamies’ ability to honor jazz traditions with his unique voice makes Time to Say a significant contribution to contemporary Latin jazz (…)”
“Pamies is also an accomplished arranger, with a sophisticated ear, who seems able to turn his hand to any style or instrumental line up (…)”
“Maybe we are talking about flamenco-jazz? Not exactly. This Borrachito goes further than the simple juxtaposition of two genres as we still see too often. Sergio Pamies is one to watch!...”
“Borrachito is a fabulous musical force of nature…”
“I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Time to Say, from pianist Sergio Pamies and it’s a strong tribute to Chick Corea (…) a really strong release”
Sergio Pamies
Born in Granada, Spain in 1983, Pamies has published four albums under his name; Entre Amigos (PSM, 2008), Borrachito (Bebyne Records, 2011), What Brought You Here? (Bebyne Records, 2017), and Time to Say (Newtrad, 2024). Critics have acknowledged his talent for composition, the lyrical qualities of his playing, and his natural and spontaneous ability to fuse the traditional jazz language with the flamenco music of his childhood. Time to Say stayed more than 20 weeks in specialized jazz radio charts, reaching number 5 in Music Root Reports and number 41 in Jazz Week. It reached number 2 in the Top Latin Jazz Albums of 2024 by Music Root Reports.
Pamies has performed at festivals in Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Colombia, Perú, China, Spain and the United States. He has recorded and performed with outstanding artists, such as Dave Liebman, Paquito D’Rivera, Christian Scott, John Clayton, Lewis Nash, Marshall Gilkes, Rubem Dantas, London Symphony, Jorge Pardo, Antonio Serrano, Diego Amador, Pepe Luis Carmona “Habichuela,” Quamon Fowler, Brad Leali, Quincy Davis, Stockton Helbing, Ashleigh Smith, Samuel Torres, Tatiana Mayfield, Michael Miskiewicz, Derrick Gardner, Craig Bailey, and Joan Albert Amargós, among others. Besides leading his own projects, he has produced other artists such as Daniel Pardo (Ese Momento, 2024), Estrella de Manuela (Ocho perlas de mi mundo, 2023), Verso Suelto (Verso Suelto, 2016), Korean singer Roja (My Shining Hour, 2013), and The Zebras (Flamenco Jazz Project, 2011). His compositions and arrangements have been recorded by Dallas String Quartet (DSQ), London Symphony, Prague Orchestra (Musiversal), and Steinway Artist Esteban Álvarez.
Pamies is currently Assistant Professor at the College-Conservatory of Music (University of Cincinnati), where he teaches jazz piano, jazz styles and analysis, jazz small group, and advanced jazz improvisation. Prior to this appointment, Sergio Pamies taught jazz arranging, composition, and led the small group program at University of Texas in Arlington. Pamies has given Master Classes and presented his research at the Jazz Education Network Conference, University of North Texas, University of Central Oklahoma, University of Tennessee at Martin, University of Texas at Arlington , University of Louisville (USA), Universidad de Granada, Conservatorio Superior del Liceo de Barcelona, Conservatorio Superior de Música de Canarias (Spain), East Shanghai Normal University, Contemporary Music Institute of Zhuhai (China), Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Universidad EAFIT de Medellín (Colombia), among other institutions. He has published articles in different peer-reviewed scholarly journals, such as Jazz-Hitz (Spain) or Jazz Education in Research and Practice (USA) and specialized magazines such as Piano Professional (United Kingdom).
Pamies received his bachelor’s degree in jazz Piano (Liceo Conservatory in Barcelona, 2007), and then moved to the United States to study with Stefan Karlsson and complete a master’s degree in jazz piano at the University of North Texas (UNT), where he was awarded “Outstanding Student” in 2011. He finished his doctoral studies (DMA in Jazz Piano) in 2016. He was the pianist of the 7-time Grammy nominated One O’Clock Lab Band at UNT, having the opportunity to perform with guest artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Arturo Sandoval, Marvin Stamm, Wycliffe Gordon, Doc Severinsen, Chuck Findley, Christian McBride, and Peter Bernstein. He is the featured soloist on Rich DeRosa’s composition “Neil,” which received a Grammy nomination in 2016 for “Best Instrumental Composition.” In 2015, Pamies was selected for the “Latin Jazz Traditions” concert organized by Carnegie Hall, performing there with Paquito D’Rivera, having his composition “Dudú” selected for the program. In 2014, he was awarded with the “Best Representation of Granada in a Foreign Country” youth cultural award by the Youth Institute of Andalucía, Spain. He has received 7 DownBeat student awards; Best Instrumental Soloist (2013), Best Large Ensemble (2014), and Best Latin Group (2012) among them.