Bio

Brian Ho began playing piano at the early age of five taking lessons at both Stanford and San Jose State.. By the age of sixteen, he started teaching and began to play professionally. After his college years spent studying music at UC Davis, he decided to pursue his love of music as a leader, composer, and arranger. With his vast knowledge of styles and influences that includes New Orleans, Gospel, Blues, Latin Jazz, R&B, and even Hip Hop; he has developed a unique and modern take on standards and originals that bounce with energy.

Brian performed exclusively as a pianist for years until he found a way to play a portable organ. One of the most influential experiences he had was playing for an African American Baptist Church for several years as a young teenager. This is where he first forged his love affair with the Hammond Organ.  In 2009, he became an endorser for the legendary Hammond Organ. He plays the Hammond XK3c Pro XK dual manual system with the Hammond XPK-200 pedals. He solos and comps with his right hand while his left hand and feet play organ bass in the same tradition as his organ idols, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Shirley Scott, and of course, Jimmy Smith.

In late 2011, Brian released his first full CD release entitled “Organic” which features guitarist Calvin Keys (Ray Charles, Ahmad Jamal), Lorca Hart, and Oscar Pangilinan.  The CD features several of Brian’s original compositions along with a few choice covers and standards that he has arranged.

Pete Fallico (KCSM 91.1, Doodlin Records) writes, “the whole package offers such a refreshing palate of organ combo grooves and sonic delights.”

Here is a review from John Barron of Jazz World : CLICK HERE
Here is a review from Allaboutjazz.com : CLICK HERE

The CD is available on ITunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.

Brian is fortunate to play with some of the finest musicians including Calvin Keys, Akira Tana, Leon Joyce, Christian Tamburr, Chuck McPherson, Bob Kenmotsu, Tony Peebles, Terrence Brewer, Lorca Hart, Clifford Brown III, Rick Vandavier, Wally Schnalle, Oscar Pangilinan, Nicholas Bearde, Jason Lewis, Jack Riordan, Joe De Rose, Jim Witzel, Scot Miller, Neil Kelly, Ken Okada, Jessica Johnson, and many more.

Brian performs regularly at several prominent concerts, jazz clubs, jazz festivals (including the 2006, 2007 and 2009, 2010, 2011 SJ Jazz Festival), fine restaurants and bars. He also performs for private functions such as weddings and private corporate events. It is very common to see him with his organ trio as well as a sideman playing both piano and organ.

In addition to performing, Brian is a full time musical director at Old Orchard Elementary School in Campbell and an instructor at the Music School of Sunnyvale. Brian has also written for Keyboard Magazine.