Episode #169: Pritesh Walia

Pritesh Walia is a virtuoso jazz guitarist, accomplished composer, and dedicated educator hailing from the vibrant city of New Delhi, India. His musical journey began at the age of 13 when he immersed himself in the rich traditions of Indian Classical Music. Fueling his insatiable curiosity for music, Pritesh sought Western influences, pursuing a lifelong mastery of diverse musical styles.

Armed with an Associate of Arts Degree from the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music, a Bachelor’s Degree from Berklee College of Music in Contemporary Jazz Performance and Jazz Composition, and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance from the New England Conservatory, Pritesh has honed his craft alongside some of the finest jazz musicians in the United States.

Not only has Pritesh showcased his exceptional talent on global stages, but he has also formed collaborative partnerships with prestigious brands. During his tours of India from 2015 to 2017, he proudly represented leading musical instrument retailers. Sponsored by these industry giants, Pritesh conducted master classes and clinics across India, South America, and the United States, including two appearances at the esteemed Panama Jazz Festival. Pritesh's instructional prowess is further exemplified by his lessons and packages featured on renowned guitar instructional platforms such as Licklibrary.

Currently endorsed by elite brands like Gruvgear, Chicken Picks, Collings Guitars, and Antelope Audio, Pritesh continues pushing his musical exploration's boundaries. His passion for education is evident in his role as a Jazz educator at institutions such as Bunker Hill Community College, Brookline Music School, and Excelsia College Sydney, where he guides master's students in the art of jazz.

Pritesh is poised to make significant waves in the music scene with the upcoming release of his debut album, "Hope Town," scheduled for a fall 2023 release on all streaming platforms. This album, meticulously mixed and mastered by multi-Grammy winner engineer Dave Darlington, promises to be a testament to Pritesh's artistic vision. Additionally, Pritesh is set to unveil his organ trio, "PSA," in mid-2024, followed by a Big Band record featuring the Henry Godfrey Jazz Big Band and a modern Brazilian project with strings, both slated for release in late 2024. Recognizing his contributions to the jazz genre, Pritesh has been nominated for "Best Jazz Artist of the Year" at the Boston Music Awards alongside luminaries like Terry Lynn Carrington and Grace Kelly.

Pritesh has had the privilege of studying under the mentorship of illustrious figures such as Scott Henderson, Russel Ferrante, David Fuze, Tomo Fujita, Tim Miller, Donny McCaslin, Jason Moran, Miguel Zenon, and esteemed composers like Frank Carlberg, Ben Scwendenner, and John Heiss. His collaborations include performances with the New England Jazz Orchestra, the Maria Schneider Orchestra at the New England Conservatory, and renowned jazz figures like Donny McCaslin, Bob Sheppard, and many others.

Pritesh Walia's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to jazz, a genre that encapsulates not only his love for performance and composition but also his commitment to understanding its intricate harmony, theory, language, history, and voice. As he continues to evolve as a musician, educator, and collaborator, Pritesh's impact on the jazz world is poised to reach new heights.