Pianist Tamir Hendelman is more than the company he keeps...

By Andrew Gilbert
If accompanying vocalists is a jazz musician’s bread and butter, Tamir Hendelman better watch his carbs and cholesterol.

The pianist, who has backed Barbra Streisand, Natalie Cole, and other divas, debuts in Boston under his own name Thursday. (Jay Matsueda)

Over the past decade, the virtuosic Israeli-born pianist has become the instrumental foil for a glittering cast of divas, touring with Tierney Sutton, recording with Natalie Cole on her 2009 Grammy-winning CD “Still Unforgettable,’’ and contributing highly sensitive work as a player and arranger on Roberta Gambarini’s 2006 Grammy-nominated CD “Easy To Love’’ (Groovin’ High) and Jackie Ryan’s acclaimed 2007 album “You and the Night and the Music’’ (OpenArt Records).

He landed his highest profile gig yet backing Barbra Streisand on her 2009 chart-topping Columbia standards session “Love Is the Answer,’’ a role he reprised on the DVD “One Night Only’’ recorded at her exclusive 2009 return to the Village Vanguard (where she opened for Miles Davis in 1962).

“Of course her voice is amazing, but watching her as an actress imbuing each song with drama was a real thrill,’’ says Hendelman, 39, who makes his Boston debut under his own name Thursday at Scullers. “It certainly made people more aware of me, but in terms of leading to other gigs, not so much.’’

Long before Streisand came calling, Hendelman had become one of Southern California’s most sought-after accompanists, and not only by singers. With his commanding conservatory-trained technique, ringing touch, and emotional receptivity, he’s distinguished himself touring and recording with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and a trio led by the orchestra’s co-director, Jeff Hamilton, the veteran drummer who has spent the past four decades working with luminaries like Monty Alexander, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, and Diana Krall.

“I’ve really watched Tamir’s writing mature,’’ Hamilton says. “He’s such a musical thinker. Now he’s working with so many singers, he’s really honed his skills as an accompanist. But piano players can get caught up in accompanying singers, and I’ve told him to remember that you’ve got a voice that’s important to nurture.’’

Complete on  >> http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2011/01/02/pianist_tamir_hendelman_is_more_than_the_company_he_keeps/

Live at Spazio's with Lewis Nash (drums) and Marco Panascia (bass). Tamir Hendelman's new album "Destinations" is available in stores now.