Collection: SIR ROLAND HANNA: THE JAZZ HERITAGE SOCIETY RECORDINGS

Sir Roland Hanna (1932-2002) was a highly respected and versatile American jazz pianist, composer, and educator, celebrated for his technical brilliance, sophisticated harmonic sense, and elegant touch. Born in Detroit, Hanna received extensive classical training, which profoundly informed his jazz playing, creating a distinctive style that seamlessly blended bebop dexterity with classical precision and romantic lyricism.

He studied at the Eastman School of Music and later Juilliard. Hanna gained early prominence in the late 1950s and 1960s, working with luminaries like Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus, and Sarah Vaughan. However, he became most widely known for his integral role as the pianist in the influential Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra from its inception in 1966 through the mid-1970s. His dynamic solos and supportive comping were key elements of the band's celebrated sound.

Beyond his big band work, Hanna excelled as a leader of his own trios and as a sensitive solo performer. His extensive discography under his own name showcases his wide stylistic range, from muscular, swinging post-bop to delicate, introspective balladry. He was also a prolific composer, contributing original works to his own recordings and the Jones/Lewis library.

In 1970, Hanna was awarded an honorary knighthood by President William Tubman of Liberia for humanitarian efforts, hence the title "Sir." A dedicated educator, he taught at institutions like Queens College. Sir Roland Hanna's legacy rests on his masterful pianism, which bridged technical command with deep artistic feeling, leaving behind a rich body of work revered for its intelligence, power, and grace.