Local music spotlight: On a Limb releases new album

On a Limb formed in 2016, initially as a way for three Cincinnati-based musicians to collectively practice free improvisation. As chemistry quickly developed, they began writing, performing and recording original music, with their first release “Glimpse #1” dropping in November 2018. Pianist Andrew Haug is the primary composer and arranger for the group, writing for the specific musical personalities of bassist Noah Simionides and drummer Charlie Schefft. His compositional style has been described by fellow musicians as “honest and thoughtful, beautiful yet energetic, with a hint of mysteriousness and darkness.” Having crafted a sound that reflects a wide range of influences, their dynamic interplay is uniquely identifiable. The band has been noted for their deep chemistry and “telepathic improvisational skills,” according to award-winning music editor, Mike Breen. On a Limb has performed throughout the United States, including shared performances with bands such as Animal Mother, Lucas Kadish TUNDRA, Dot Gov and Glenn Zaleski Trio.

Andrew Haug is a pianist from Cincinnati. He has performed throughout the United States and is active in many local groups: On a Limb, Eric Wurzelbacher Quartet, Down Home Collective and Ron Enyard Quartet. Haug has had the honor of performing at the legendary Newport Jazz Festival as well as with notable musicians such as Duane Eubanks (Alicia Keys), Art Gore (Herbie Hancock), Josiah Wolf (WHY?), Craig Bailey (Ray Charles), John Von Ohlen, Fareed Haque (Arturo Sandoval) and Bill Mays (Frank Sinatra). Haug graduated from CCM with a degree in jazz performance.

He started showing serious interest in music at age 9 when he started to pick out melodies of his favorite songs on the piano. Before reading music, he learned to play classical pieces of Beethoven and Chopin by listening to his father play them on the piano. After many years of formal classical training, at the age of 16 he quickly developed an interest in jazz when he started watching performances of the Thelonious Monk Quartet. Haug has gone on to study with jazz greats such as Steve Allee, Kim Pensyl and Phil DeGreg at CCM, as well as prominent artists such as Shai Maestro, Jon Cowherd and Guy Mintus. Haug credits much of his success to his classical teacher, Elaine Leung-Wolf, and her specialty in the Taubman approach to piano technique. 

Haug’s musical personality is multi-faceted. Having grown up on primarily classical music and indie rock, and additionally since his teens having developed an increasing interest in jazz, hip hop, and R&B, Haug has a broad palate that he strives to bring to his performance. He prefers to enter an open and clear mindset when he performs, searching for an honest and selfless space that allows the music to flow naturally. Primarily an improviser, he has a deep passion for spontaneous and creative expression. He also highly values a strong, well-thought-out musical composition. This strong sense for both freedom and structure within his music creates a unique and engaging juxtaposition.