B:
October 9, 1947
Instrument: Piano
Although best known for hid more-than-20-year association with Emil Haddad, pianist Odgren has had a rich and varied career apart from the work of that storied duo. He grew up in Auburn, where he received his initial piano instruction from his uncle, Rollie Provost. After graduating from Auburn High School, he signed with the United States Navy Band, completing his tour in 1971. He then enrolled t the Berklee College of Music, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in music composition. Also in the '70s, Odgren was the co-leader- and founder of Out at Home, featuring saxophonist and brother Jim Odgren and guitarist Jim Kelly. In the 1980s, he performed with the fusion band Ictus and in 1982, began his longtime collaboration with Haddad. Throughout the '80s, Odgren also performed and recorded with trumpeter Mike Metheny.
Education: Berklee College of Music
Private Instruction: Roland Provost and Dean Earl
Awards: Odgren has been recognized for his excellence as a jazz educator, receiving the the Henry "Boots" Mussulli Jazz Educator Award from the Jazz Worcester Society in 1990 and a Jazz at Sunset Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.
Teaching and clinics: Berklee College of Music, Clark University and privately at home.
Playing experience: Out at Home, Ictus, Mike Metheny, Emil Haddad.
Touring and other highlights: From 1979-1990, Odgren performed and recorded with trumpeter Mike Metheny, whose albums featured the likes of Pat Metheny, Rufus Reid and Bill Frisell.
Discography: Mike Metheny, From Then Till Now Altenburgh; Kaleidescope, MCA/Impulse; Day In Night Out, MCA/Impulse; Blue Jay Sessions, Headfirst Records; Ictus, Future Winds; Emil Haddad & Dick Odgren, Warm Breeze and Alone together.
Notes and tones: "Be yourself. Find out who you are. Find out what's important to you in the music. And practice"
Press quotes: "He is a lyrical player who has the uncanny ability of sustaining the melodic theme throughout a tune no matter how many reharmonizations he makes. Yu can almost hear him thinking. Singing through the tune with shining radiance, you will always hear the song." – Worcester Magazine