Martin Listabarth is an Austrian jazz pianist, composer, improviser and bandleader. His music is deeply rooted in jazz, but also features very strong classical influences that give Listabarth his own unique musical voice. Listabarth’s music is often described as playful and challenging, accessible yet complex - and the Austrian newspaper „Die Presse“ highlights another important aspect of his playing: „Music with subtle humour and irony.“
Already on his well-received solo debut „Short Stories“ (2019), Listabarth shares his fascination for the idea of storytelling in music with the listeners.
His sophomore solo release “Dedicated” (2022), takes this one step further, though, using the story of 10 people who’ve fascinated or inspired him as the basis of 10 highly original compositions. With this album, he convinced not only national dailies (Die Presse, Der Standard, Wiener Zeitung), but also international media, such as the British Pianist Magazine, got a nomination for the Longlist 2/2022 (Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik) and was introduced to a wider audience by radio stations such as Ö1 and BR-Klassik.
He has performed at several venues and international festivals in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Finland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Turkey, Japan and Peru (among others: Porgy & Bess, Wiener Musikverein, ORF Radiokulturhaus, Piano City Madrid, Tastentage Klosters, Gjon Mili Jazz & Blues Festival, International Jazz Piano Festival Kalisz, Jazzunique Festival, Haskovo Jazz Festival, Ciclo de Jazz Europeo Lima). In 2024, he’s set to tour even more outside Europe, reaching audiences in Africa, North America and Latin America.
In 2023 he released his first trio album „Postcards“. The compositions of the „Postcards“ trio album are inspired by places around the world - Istanbul at Midnight, a cemetery in Paris, a metro station in Madrid, and more.