Music on my blog page

It’s so nice to have my music page up and running.  There are many pieces I want to share with you, but it will take a little time for me to get everything in the correct format.  I have posted a couple selections off of my albums: To My Valentine, which is a live quartet collection of romantic favorites; and My Christmas Wish, solo piano pieces for a mellow holiday mood.  I also found a couple original songs (there are many more yet to be posted).  Magical Time was a piece written for a special promotion for Walt Disney World (lyrics by Arthur Hamilton of Cry Me a River fame, music by yours truly).  Angels Among Us was inspired by watching a children choirs singing for the holidays. There is a song introduction lyric that goes “church bells ring and children sing of Bethlehem’s Star and a newborn king.”  The angels among us are the singing children who are also joined by choirs of angels in one beautiful song of love. The version posted here was my original composer’s demo.  The lyrics have since been touched up, but the sentiment is still the same. Angels Among Us has been enjoyed by many. 

Happening now at ivories

Still deciding what to do tonight? Dinner and music!

Oscar Peterson tribute

It was early in my listening days that I discovered the incredible music of the legendary Canadian pianist, Oscar Peterson.  I would listen to him for hours, trying to decipher his unique style and those wonderful unending and effortless waves of notes and rhythms.  Yes, his technique was immense, but even more astounding was his amazing sense of Swing that filled every phrase.  His musicality has been a wonderful inspiration for me.  I don't claim his depth of talent or technique, but I do love his music and I know my playing has been greatly shaped by listening to him.  I can recommend a great website that is a tribute to Oscar Peterson.  It's Toronto's wonderful JAZZ.FM91, and the tribute station can be found at: www.jazz.fm/index.php/listen-mainmenu/web-radio.

I play tomorrow night at Ivories here in Portland.  Joining me will be our Portland bass phenom Dylan Sundstrom and our own legendary Northwest Jazz drummer Carlton Jackson.  It should be a beautiful evening of fine music, inspired by many greats including Oscar Peterson.  You can get more information about this exciting venue at their site: www.ivoriesjazz.com.

Sunny California - Birth of the Cool

My recent travels have taken me to sunny Southern California, and it seems that I drove through some of the hottest weather of the year here.  The harsh heat of the sun makes me smile to think that this was the coast that is credited with the birth of Cool Jazz.  As a kid, I grew up listening to Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond, and I learned just about every song off of every album they recorded.  I still love hearing their classic, "cool" sound.  It was an especially nice place for me to begin to learn about the Jazz idiom.  Now if I could just get a little of that coolness to moderate the high temperatures outside!

Louis Armstrong tribute

On this day in 1928, Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five recorded the song West End Blues, a recording considered by many as a milestone in the history of the Jazz.  Armstrong's artistry has been an inspiration to so many great players throughout the years. His instrumental and vocal talents changed the way musicians think about Jazz in particular and popular musical performance in general. I'll be thinking of his West End Blues as I play tonight at the Portland City Grill.

Supermoon Tuesday, June 25th, at the Portland City Grill.  It seems only fair to give the moon its equal share of attention.  Piano starts at 5 p.m.

Stonehenge Solstice Hit Night

Celebrating the Summer Solstice this evening at the Portland City Grill grand piano.  I don't think I know any prehistoric Druid songs, but there are plenty of appropriate "sun" songs to please every Stonehenge enthusiast who happens to be downtown tonight.  It should be fun.