Toronto native Andy Milne draws inspiration for his musical concept from various forms of music, politics, philosophy, comedy, and science fiction. Some of his musical influences include Thelonious Monk, Art Tatum, Herbie Nichols, Bela Bartok, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder. Recipient of the New Works commission and the French-America Jazz Exchange grants from Chamber Music America in 2006, and voted “Rising Star Keyboardist” by Down Beat Magazine in 2004, Milne is one of the most important and respected young voices in jazz today. His highly recognizable quintet Dapp Theory blends “contemporary funk, groove and hip-hop into jazz with such seamless, casual precision it’s almost freaky.” (LA Weekly) Milne has toured and recorded with Ravi Coltrane, Ralph Alessi, Carlos Ward, and Grammy-nominated vocalist Carla Cook.

In 1990, after completing an Honors degree in music at York University (where he studied with Oscar Peterson, Pat LaBarbara, and Don Thompson), Milne received a Canada Council grant to study at the renowned Banff Centre for Fine Arts. At Banff, he met saxophonist Steve Coleman, who encouraged Milne to move to New York. In 1991, after a year in Montreal picking up valuable sideman experience with Joe Lovano, Archie Shepp, and Ranee Lee, Milne moved to New York and joined Coleman’s core unit Five Elements. M-BASE associates Cassandra Wilson and Greg Osby also recognized his talent and invited Milne to perform with their groups. The long association with Coleman offered Milne the unique opportunity to develop a completely unprecedented harmonic and rhythmic approach to the piano. The experience of responding to and complementing Coleman's unique style night after night played a major role in the development of Milne's individual approach. After six years gaining international recognition with Coleman’s various projects, Milne stepped out on his own to conquer his own musical frontiers.

In 1995 inspired by grass-roots rock ‘n’ roll bands, Milne independently booked his band on two extensive North American tours. Following the first tour, he recorded the self-produced cassette release, "The 'E' is Silent," (featuring Gene Lake, Matthew Garrison, and Audrey Martells), which captured the relaxed intensity of the band's live performances. In 1997, Milne recorded his debut CD, "Forward to Get Back," for d'Note Records, which featured performances by Steve Coleman alumni Reggie Washington, Ralph Alessi, and Matthew Garrison, as well as two duo performances with Coleman.

Milne formed his current band, Dapp Theory in 1998 to “tell passionate stories, promote peace and inspire collective responsibility towards uplifting the human spiritual condition,” he explains. The music seeks to explore the truths that exist in universal cosmic wisdom, while creatively expressing life's great journeys. In 2001 Milne explored these truths in an ambitious songwriting collaboration with Canadian folk-rock icon Bruce Cockburn which were featured on Dapp Theory’s 2003 Concord Records release “Y’all Just Don’t Know”.

As artist-in-residence in 2006 at The University of British Columbia, Milne lectured, collaborated with local musicians, and began composing new music for two 2007 releases. “Dreams and False Alarms”, his first solo piano disc, features three originals and interpretations of 1960’s era folk and pop music, and “Scenarios”, a duet with Gregoire Maret on harmonica, blends the avant-garde with romantic sensibilities. Dapp Theory’s highly anticipated follow-up CD is scheduled for release in 2008. Milne is currently devoting energy to several projects, including a duo piano project with French pianist Benoit Delbecq, and a collaboration with tap dancer Heather Cornell.

Andy Milne has established himself as a distinctive voice at the heart of New York's creative jazz scene. He has performed throughout the world in numerous settings, including collaborations with a range of artists including Sekou Sundiata, Avery Brooks, Geri Allen, Dianne Reeves, Robin Eubanks, Red Mitchell, and Sonny Greenwich. In addition to performing, Milne shares his concept with students at both New York University and The New School in New York where he is on faculty. His innovative rhythmic approach combined with his extensive harmonic lexicon place him at the forefront of young pianists poised to carry on the lineage of creative masters like Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner.