L.A.-based pianist Paul Cornish has built up quite the CV since coming up through Houston’s prestigious High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. After studying at the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz at UCLA, it’s no wonder sessions and sideperson work with the likes of Joshua Redman, Louis Cole, Terrace Martin, Mark Guiliana, Snoh Aalegra, Thumpasaurus, and HAIM followed. He was also commissioned by the Apollo Chamber Players to write a piece for the Houston Library System’s centennial. His No Pressure tour with bassist Jermaine Paul and drummer Jonathan Pinson marks his first jaunt as a leader. – Michael Toland