Eric Kurtzrock was accepted into the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony under Andre Previn when he was 13 years old. From 14 to 17, Eric was privileged to study drumming with Jazz legend Art Blakey. Throughout his life, Eric has continually sought out the finest instruction available, and has had the opportunity to study with the drummers for such artists as Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Benny Goodman, James Brown, Sting, Michael Brecker, Mike Stern, and others.

Eric attended Duquesne University, where he studied composition with Michael Tilson Thomas, and Jazz with Eric Kloss and John Wilson. After receiving his Bachelors degree, Eric was accepted into the Masters program at The Eastman School of Music, where he studied composition and arranging with Jazz legends Phil Woods and Ron Carter.

New York City and it’s booming music scene beckoned, though, and before he finished at Eastman he found himself swamped with studio work and live performances. He took a break from Eastman to pursue this work, and 10 years in Manhattan packed with sessions and gigs with artists like Robert Palmer and David Byrne flew by. Gaining professional credits ranging from the soundtrack to the film ‘Get Shorty’ to a legendary appearance on ‘Mr. Rogers Neighborhood’, Eric had done it all.

In 1997, Eric came to San Francisco to be the Musical Director for Ana Mandara. which has been voted the ‘Best Lounge to Hear Jazz in San Francisco’ by the Zagat Dining Survey. He performs there regularly with The Eric Kurtzrock Trio.

Eric and Andrew Freeman share a love for traditional Americana music, and co-founded Down, Not Out in 2003. They appear together on Monday Nights at the world famous Plush Room, and in clubs around the Bay Area and beyond.