Three Amazing Pianists Talk Music........

A rare conversation with Billy Taylor, George Shearing and Marian McPartland. They discuss composing, the influence of Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonoius Monk and Bebop in general, and Sarah Vaughan. Thanks to BillyTaylorJazz.net.......

The Haitian Tragedy

It's really hard to not feel helpless in reaching out to those
in Haiti. They've endured more than we can imagine. I've decided
to donate 50% of sales from four of my websites (tonight through
midnight on Monday (72 hours)). I'd challenge any of you to do the same.
These people need our help....quickly. Thanks!

Site 1

Site 2

Site 3

Site 4

The Man Who Brought Me Back: Mr. Erroll Garner

I started playing the piano at 7 years old and actually learned to read and play some classical pieces. I left the piano and then came back to it in my teens. My mother had an eclectic taste in music, from opera to jazz and she had an LP by this guy named Erroll Garner: "Concert By The Sea", recorded live in Carmel, California. By this time I was playing by ear and after hearing this album I tried to assimilate each arrangement on this wonderful LP. So he is the MAN who brought me back to my instrument.







This is Earl's best rendition of "Misty", courtesy of You Tube:

~ MY FOOLISH HEART ~

Here's a haunting one by Bill Evans - can't get enough of him. I actually caught him live at the Hollywood Bowl years ago, along with Dave Brubeck and George Shearing on the same bill.

'Brazilian Like' (Michel Petrucciani)

Here is one that blows me away. Michel is an amazing jazz player and had to overcome more physical problems than we can imagine, and did so beautifully.

~ The Lady with the Very Special Voice -

I always think of Sarah as having a built-in musical instrument, rather than just a voice. This video says it all, and I wish that it was longer.   You can see lots more on You Tube.......

~ A MEMORABLE EVENING with JON NAKAMATSU ~

My wife and I went to a North State Symphony concert Saturday night and were both blown away by Mr. Nakamatsu's inspired performance. He played the Third Concerto of Rachmaninoff. It was dazzling, and we had a chance to meet him at a party afterwards. Kyle Pickett's conducting skills were tremendous and I had the feeling that he was aware of every microscopic musical nuance generated by this amazing North State Symphony Orchestra.

Jon is a natural, without majoring in music (his major was German and he was teaching this in high school when he entered the Van Clyburn and won the Gold Medal in 1997). This You Tube clip is from another concert.