Dan Karlsberg is a Jazz pianist, composer and producer, and founder of the Dan Karlsberg Group and The ‘Nati 6. He has released six albums: The Adventures of the Dan Karlsberg Group, Mission to Mars and Other Short Stories, The ‘Nati 6, Tales from the Winter Solstice, All In, and Holding the Wheel of Life.
Dan is based in Cincinnati, Ohio and is an adjunct professor at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He performs regularly with some of the greatest musicians of our time.
Karlsberg to release first solo piano album, “Rooms Without Walls”
Available on all streaming platforms April 10, 2026
I have been making albums for years now, always featuring some of my favorite musicians, friends, mentors, and students. After producing six albums between 2007 and 2023, all with different ensembles ranging from a trio to sextet, the time has come to make an album of music with just the piano and myself.
“Rooms Without Walls” began in the summer of 2024. I decided to record music for a few hours one evening each month, and see where it would take me. I had no expectations. I did this four months in a row. After each session, the vibe/concept became more clear. By the third session it had taken form, and I knew where it was going. I am really glad I chose this method. I learned so much from taking on this challenge and It helped me to understand more about myself, including musically what was “me,” what I wanted music to be like without filtering it through society or what I think others want to hear.
New Album, “Holding the Wheel of Life”
This album was made as I am realizing I am no longer in my 20’s! Being middle aged comes with responcibilites that at first feel like the weight of the world is resting on oneself. Feeling responsible for taking care of the older generations, while continuing to pass along knowlege to the younger generations can seem like a lot. It took me a minute, but i eventually realized this weight/responcibility has always been there for all of us.
“Holding the Wheel” features a multigenerational group, with ages scattered between 25 to 75 years of age. Where most of the music I composed myself, I have included a few covers. “Diciple’s Blues” is original from the Modern Jazz Diciples first album from 1959. The group makes up a very important part of the Cincinnati jazz scene’s history. the song is co-written by Curtis Peagler and Hicky Kelley. Check this group out! The next cover is from the film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and composed by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. It is called “Cheer Up Charlie” and is one of many great songs from that film. Finaly, the composition titled “Mephistopheles” is based on a theme by the great Russian genius, Modest Mussorgsky. I took his theme and wrote new melodies around it, creating a new piece of music for the band.
Dan Karlsberg on CET Public Television
CET and ThinkTV Premier “Art in Isolation”
With Art in Isolation we saw an opportunity to raise awareness around the experience of artists during the lockdown, and through their stories a chance to connect, uplift and inspire our online community through beauty and self-expression.
On today’s episode of Art in Isolation, we are taking a look at how this pandemic has affected local musicians like jazz pianist Dan Karlsberg.
Dan Karlsberg ‘Nati 6 on River Valley Rhythms
Watch the full hour long episode featuring a live performance and interviews with the band mixed throughout. Many great stories were told. You won’t want to miss this!
Click on the picture to watch!
Listen and Purchase Dan Karlsberg Albums Here!
At Bandcamp you can listen to all of Dan’s albums, and also purchase digital downloads or physical CD’s if you like. Definitely check it out. It is free to stream all albums!
Click on the picture to take you to Dan’s artist page at Bandcamp.
Dan Karlsberg 