Joshua White
Tyler Kreutel
Luke Little
Monday, February 2, 2026
12 PM
Joshua White, piano
Joshua White is an internationally acclaimed pianist and composer whose artistry bridges Western classical traditions and contemporary improvised music. He has been honored as a DownBeat Rising Star on keyboards in consecutive annual critics’ polls (2023 and 2024), affirming his growing influence as one of the most compelling voices in modern jazz. Known for rhythmic intensity, harmonic richness, and a fearless approach to improvisation, White’s performances consistently engage audiences and critics alike. Born and raised in Southern California, White began piano studies at age seven, developing fluency in both Western European classical repertoire and the Black American musical traditions that would later frame his musical sensibilities. As a young musician he absorbed influences ranging from gospel music to structured classical forms, laying a foundation for the expressive versatility that defines his work today. Early in his career he became a finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition, an achievement that helped launch his international performing trajectory. Legendary pianist Herbie Hancock praised White’s artistry, stating, “Joshua has immense talent … I was impressed by his daring and courageous approach to improvisation on the cutting edge of innovation. He is his own man.”
White’s work as a leader reflects his deep engagement with both composition and spontaneity. His critically acclaimed trio with Karl McComas-Reichl on bass and Tyler Kreutel on drums is central to his artistic output, while his solo piano release, Flora and Fauna: 9 Preludes for Solo Piano (Orenda Records, 2025), highlights his refined compositional voice and tonal sensitivity. Across collaborations with artists such as Mark Dresser, Nicole Mitchell, Dan Rosenboom, Eric Revis, Jason Robinson, Steph Richards, Alex Cline, Marshall Hawkins, Dwight Trible, Holly Hofmann, and Gilbert Castellanos, White demonstrates a rare ability to balance structure with risk-taking in improvised music. Critics have frequently highlighted White’s commanding presence at the piano. In a DownBeat review of a Chicago double bill featuring Rudresh Mahanthappa and Stefon Harris, his playing was noted for its “pedaled shimmers” and “demonstrative, percussive style,” drawing comparisons to the rhythmic assertiveness of McCoy Tyner and Don Pullen. Such commentary underscores White’s physical, rhythm-forward approach to the instrument and his ability to propel ensemble momentum while maintaining harmonic depth. White’s stylistic range has also been showcased on international stages, including the jazzahead! conference in Bremen, Germany. Performing with trumpeter and composer Steph Richards, he was described by DownBeat as part of a band that “flexes and surges,” engaging expansive avant-improvisational language while remaining deeply interactive. These performances illustrate White’s fluency across a broad spectrum of creative music, from tightly constructed forms to open, exploratory improvisation.
In addition to his performing and recording career, White is deeply committed to music education. He has served as a mentor for mentor-directed jazz combo ensembles at California State University, Northridge, guiding student musicians in ensemble cohesion, repertoire development, and improvisational practice. His educational work also includes participation in the Stanford Jazz Workshop, where he has contributed as a faculty artist within immersive learning environments that bring professional musicians into close collaboration with emerging players. Across both institutions, White’s teaching reflects his belief in mentorship, rigorous listening, and the transmission of creative values across generations. Active across performance, recording, and education, Joshua White continues to broaden his artistic reach through international touring, collaborative projects, and institutional engagement. Known for his thoughtful improvisations, deep musical curiosity, and commitment to both tradition and innovation, he stands among the most distinctive and forward-thinking pianists of his generation, contributing meaningfully to the evolving dialogue of contemporary jazz and creative music.
Tyler Kreutel, drums
Tyler Kreutel is a drummer/percussionist based in the Southern California area. Born and raised in San Diego, California, he took up the drums at the age of 12 in his middle school jazz band and hasn’t looked back since. Tyler graduated from The San Diego School for Creative and Performing Arts in 2012 and went on to receive his Bachelors in Music Performance at California State University Long Beach. While in college Tyler began playing professionally in both the San Diego and Los Angeles area and has been doing so ever since. Tyler has had the great fortune of playing with many outstanding musicians including Gilbert Castellanos, Charles McPherson, Henry Franklin, Joshua White, Marshall Hawkins, Steve Cotter and is one of the most in demand drummers in Southern California. He has taught at both The Orange County School of the Arts and Downey High School.
Luke Little, bass
"Luke Little began playing the bass at the age of twelve, studying as both a classical and jazz musician. With roots across different genres, Little began to value both grounded and explorative approaches to the bass, creating a sense of comfortability for whomever he is accompanying. Having joined the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory led by Gilbert Castellanos at age 16, he experienced close mentorship with Castellanos, as well as bassist Rob Thorsen. Over time, Little has performed in settings such as San Diego’s Jazz on Tap Festival, the Leimert Park Jazz Festival, and the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, along with several other listening spaces in the greater Southern California area. During this time, he has had the opportunity to perform with incredible musicians such as Charles McPherson, Marshall Hawkins, Gilbert Castellanos, Joshua White, Ethan Iverson, and Mikan Zlatkovich, among others. Since 2024, Little has been studying under internationally renowned bassist Luca Alemanno at San Diego State University and can be found playing in different venues in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas."
Free concerts at noon every Monday year-round . . . no wonder the Mini-Concerts are the longest-running and one of the most popular classical music series at the library! This series was founded by Glenna Hazleton in 1970 at the Athenaeum, and has been going strong ever since. The concerts feature both local and touring musicians, prize-winning students, university music faculty members, local chamber ensembles. . . and the repertoire also includes jazz, folk, and world music. There are no reservations, no tickets . . . just line up at the side door of the Athenaeum before noon. (Donations are always welcome!) Mini-Concerts take place every Monday at noon and last about an hour.
The concerts will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for these events. Doors open at 11:40 a.m. Last entry is at 12:10 p.m. or once capacity is reached. Seating is first-come; first-served. Reservations are not necessary, but seating is limited.