Josh Karas is a versatile, up and coming jazz pianist and composer based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is currently pursuing a degree in Jazz Studies from Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music where he studies with Bruce Dudley. Fourteen years of piano experience in a wide variety of genres have established Josh as a well-equipped performer for any situation. His debut album, The Root of the Thing will be coming out soon in Summer 2021. The Root of the Thing is a collection of original jazz compositions and arrangements written for important people in Karas' life. His music is heavily influenced by his classical training, experiences playing in a jam band, as well as his collegiate jazz education. The project features both Vanderbilt students and professional Nashville musicians, serving as a catalyst for connecting Vanderbilt's jazz department with the greater Nashville music community.