Introduction: As bold as Oscar Peterson but as mellow as Nat King Cole, Eugene Botts' style can capture the elegance, soul, and sophistication of classic jazz but also set the mood and whimsical lightheartedness of Dean Martin.
A professional pianist of 22 years, primarily drawing on the influences of Harry Connick Jr, Diana Krall, and Johnny Costa, he is also versed in Old Soul, Country, and contemporary top 40 music. Appearing in venues from lounges to churches and casinos, an evening with Eugene Botts will engage young and mature audiences.
Educated at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, in 2001, he studied Classical piano with Dr. William Chapman Nyaho and Jazz with Dr. Garth Alper. Those experiences led him to form Lafayette Jazz Authority, a six piece ensemble. LJA went on to win the 2009 Times of Acadiana Best Jazz Band award. In the Spring of 2011 he was recipient of the "Bunk" Johnson Jazz Ambassador Award for his contributions to keeping Classic Jazz alive in South Louisiana.
Recently he's been busy performing Swamp Pop, Blues , and Blue-Eyed Soul with Gregg Martinez, Charlene Howard, and Ted Broussard in addition to the numerous solo venues through the year. In his spare time he enjoys playing piano in his church and with the Conrad Johnson Orchestra.
Will set the mood for your special event. Whether you need a solo pianist, small jazz ensemble, or top 40 band I can put together a satisfaction guaranteed program Taylor-made for your event!
