Knute Snortum grew up in Walnut Creek, CA. His father, Niel, an English professor, was a collector of folk music. He loved nothing better than an impromptu jam session. Knute began playing piano as a young child. By his high school years, he was also proficient on the trombone and had developed a passion for jazz. He played in several bands, provided music for church, and played the titular role in his high school's production of The Music Man. Knute earned his first degree in music in 1981, but then left school to support his young family. He's pictured here with his son, Ben. (Experience Ben's original electronic music at basementdigital.com.)
Knute continued to create music in a variety of contexts as he pursued a career in software development and raised his family. Although he also played horns, woodwinds, strings, and percussion, piano was always his favorite. He began playing comedy improv in 2001, working with the talented actors at ComedySportz, Portland. He created a show there entitled "Concerto for Piano and Mime," in which audience suggestions are used to create mime scenes accompanied by all-original improvised keyboard.
Knute plays a lovely Steinway at Grace Bible Church in downtown Portland on Sunday mornings, with a variety of music teams and worship styles.
"Pipes" is a delightful musical improv treat at Curious Comedy in North Portland. With Knute creating music on the spot, a team of six improv artists create a full-length musical comedy based on audience suggestions. (See Willamette Week's review HERE, and The Oregonian's review HERE.)
"Pipes" is a delightful musical improv treat at Curious Comedy in North Portland. With Knute creating music on the spot, a team of six improv artists create a full-length musical comedy based on audience suggestions. (See Willamette Week's review HERE, and The Oregonian's review HERE.)