Richard Sussman is a pianist, composer, synthesist, and professor of jazz composition at Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Over the years, Richard has attained a high level of accomplishment and recognition as a jazz pianist and composer, both as a sideman with various artists, and more significantly, as a leader of various ensembles performing his own uniquely original compositions. His varied career has included performances and/or recordings with Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich, Steve Slagle, Randy Brecker, Lee Konitz, Blood Sweat & Tears, David Sanborn, and Donna Summer, among many others. His jazz discography includes two albums of original music as a leader, including "Free Fall" recently re-released on Double-Time Jazz Records. Richard has also achieved considerable success and recognition as a composer and orchestrator for large ensembles, with a particular focus on the integration of jazz rhythmic and improvisational elements with contemporary classical harmonic and structural techniques.