Jon Regen studied music at the University of Miami and at the Mason-Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where he learned his craft with Kenny Barron. He was also educated in piano and composition at the prestigious Eastman School of Music. After gaining wide recognition as the runner-up in the 1996 Great American Jazz Piano Competition, he became one of only a thousand pianists worldwide to be endorsed by Steinway and Sons as a Steinway artist. Regen has appeared at all of New York's top jazz venues and has performed with Ted Dunbar, Frank Foster, Jay Leonhart, Danny Gottlieb and others.
   Since graduating from Rutgers, Jon has immersed himself in the New York jazz scene, playing at jam sessions and working at various clubs around New York. One of the calls Jon received was to record for the Blue Note’s own record label, to perform with him jon called two of New York’s busiest rhythm section players, bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Yoron Israel.
   By three tracks there is the addition of an exciting, young saxophonist by the name of Joel Frahm. The five originals included in the program also attest to the fact that Mr. Regen has also developed into quite a promising composer. In music, practical experience is everything. The practical experience Jon Regen has gotten is clearly brought to fruition with this debut recording. I think this effort augurs well for Mr. Regen’s future on the jazz scene. I can say with certainty that you will hear much more from Jon Regen.