Although he studied classical piano from the age of seven Gunther Kuermayr was strongly influenced by Keith Jarret, bill Evens, Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock while studying at the Graz University of Music and Performing Arts. After a spell as jazz piano tutor at the Prayner Konservatorium in Vienna Gunther moved to the US to study at the renowned Berklee College of Music graduating in 1996. The following year he moved to London where he has worked with many of the capitals musicians and singersand has recently accompanied including Selana Jones at Ronnie Scotts. He is regular pianist with the Ray Gelato band who have made several world tours. Berklee College attracts jazz fans from all over the world and it is there that he met his wife, Chinara Sharshenova - a brilliant violinist who also plays the komuz, a stringed instrument from her native Kyrgyzstan. As a duo they often include their own compositions blending in with gems from the jazz repertoire.