Word: pianos
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Onstage, James Williams is a relaxed presence, with a genuine smile and a slight trace of a Southern drawl. Originally from Memphis, home not only of the blues but also of his strong influence, the jazz piano legend Phineas Newborn, Jr. He is a main figure in the current vanguard of middle-generation jazz pianists who often suffer neglect as the media's spotlight falls on young lions and old masters. That is why Friday's concert was a fascinating twist; the middle man was the star, with older and younger in strong supportive roles...
Next was a brisk tempo 50's tune, "Janine," followed by a Williams piano solo. This solo number was Williams' chance to express himself, without the flashiness of the horns, especially Boddy Watson, to crowd him out. What Williams offered was very beautiful, if curious. He played an old gospel tune, interspersing pop harmonies with lots of polychords reminiscent of Keith Jarrett's style...
...Armani suit as he played, moving his enormous aerodyamic Afro, like something from a Schlitz malt liquor ad. When his solo shot up to the high end breathlessly, it was easy to see why he is heralded as on of the best saxophonists of his generation. When the piano's turn came, he built up a solo that climaxed with two-fisted fullkeyboard runs, booming bass octaves, and distinct mid-range lines. This performance made the evening...
...night life, the best bet is to go to the White Elephant Hotel, just two blocks off Broad Street on the water, to hear the piano player. In the summer, musicians Jim Badger has islanders and tourists alike rolling with his music...
...natural talent, however, were enough to qualify her for London's Royal Academy of Music, where she graduated with honors. Glennie then compounded her professional challenge by setting out as a soloist instead of a rank-and-file orchestral player. Plenty of people make a living playing the piano, violin, flute or cello. But how many live off their skill with the snare drum, the marimba, the xylophone? Beethoven, after all, never wrote a percussion concerto...