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Here you can read about some of my past and
ongoing projects, gigs, or concerts with pictures and some listening examples. |
Only play what you hear. If you don't hear anything, don't play anything.”
- Chick Corea
12/15/18 | All Faiths Chapel, Manhattan, KS
To round up the year of 2018 perfectly, the Manhattan Area Music Teachers Association conducted their annual Christmas Ensemble Recital, with piano students from all over Manhattan playing Christmas songs together on several pianos at the same time.
While this concert was challenging to organize, the feedback was incredible and every student grew as a musician as a result. I am beyond thankful I could have seven of my own students perform in this recital, and all of them played at their best of course.
Here is to a successful year of music performing and teaching, may 2019 be even more fruitful and fulfilling!
To round up the year of 2018 perfectly, the Manhattan Area Music Teachers Association conducted their annual Christmas Ensemble Recital, with piano students from all over Manhattan playing Christmas songs together on several pianos at the same time.
While this concert was challenging to organize, the feedback was incredible and every student grew as a musician as a result. I am beyond thankful I could have seven of my own students perform in this recital, and all of them played at their best of course.
Here is to a successful year of music performing and teaching, may 2019 be even more fruitful and fulfilling!
12/14/18 | Auntie Mae's Parlor, Manhattan, KS
The last show at our standard venue this year took place this Friday night, with our usual instrumentation of me on the keys, Matthew Meals on bass, and Robert Rodriguez on drums.
Of course, Nick Overbey had to be with us again on vocals, however we also featured the great Jacob Wright on tenor saxophone this time, which certainly helped take our show to the next level.
After starting of with just the three of us on Oscar Peterson's "You Look Good to Me", we quickly got the others on stage with Mancini's "Days of Wine and Roses" and Jeff Lorber's "Tune 88."
The second set included more features, such as Ethan Levin on guitar for Jack DeJohnette's "Nine Over Reggae", Timmy Roberts on melodica (yes, melodica!) for a slow funk-version of Ellinkton's "In a Sentimental Mood", and later even the amazing Dr. Wayne Goins on guitar for Jobim's "Corcovado" and others.
We finished the year off with another Lorber tune off his Galaxy album, titled "Monserrat."
A huge Thank You to Jeff at Auntie Mae's for hosting us so regularly, and of course the crowd that shuffles in every Friday night we are there. It would not be the same without you!
The last show at our standard venue this year took place this Friday night, with our usual instrumentation of me on the keys, Matthew Meals on bass, and Robert Rodriguez on drums.
Of course, Nick Overbey had to be with us again on vocals, however we also featured the great Jacob Wright on tenor saxophone this time, which certainly helped take our show to the next level.
After starting of with just the three of us on Oscar Peterson's "You Look Good to Me", we quickly got the others on stage with Mancini's "Days of Wine and Roses" and Jeff Lorber's "Tune 88."
The second set included more features, such as Ethan Levin on guitar for Jack DeJohnette's "Nine Over Reggae", Timmy Roberts on melodica (yes, melodica!) for a slow funk-version of Ellinkton's "In a Sentimental Mood", and later even the amazing Dr. Wayne Goins on guitar for Jobim's "Corcovado" and others.
We finished the year off with another Lorber tune off his Galaxy album, titled "Monserrat."
A huge Thank You to Jeff at Auntie Mae's for hosting us so regularly, and of course the crowd that shuffles in every Friday night we are there. It would not be the same without you!
11/30/18 | Hilton Garden Inn, Manhattan, KS
Attempting to support the amazing work done by the Flint Hills Volunteer Center, Robert Rodriguez (drums), Nick Overbey (vocals), and myself got to perform at their annual banquet, or the "Festival of Trees."
After an exciting auction and great food, we put on a classic-rock show with favorites like "Don't Stop Believin'", "Bohemian Rhapsody", "I'm a Believer", "September", and many more. While this was a bit out of our comfort zone, we rose to the challenge and ended up having a great time, and so did the people on the dance floor.
Thank You to the Flint Hills Volunteer Center for letting us take part in this great event.
Attempting to support the amazing work done by the Flint Hills Volunteer Center, Robert Rodriguez (drums), Nick Overbey (vocals), and myself got to perform at their annual banquet, or the "Festival of Trees."
After an exciting auction and great food, we put on a classic-rock show with favorites like "Don't Stop Believin'", "Bohemian Rhapsody", "I'm a Believer", "September", and many more. While this was a bit out of our comfort zone, we rose to the challenge and ended up having a great time, and so did the people on the dance floor.
Thank You to the Flint Hills Volunteer Center for letting us take part in this great event.
10/28/18 | Meadowlark Retirement Home, Manhattan, KS
Our second studio recital this year, organized by the KSU Kansas Music Teachers Association Collegiate Chapter, which consists of a handful of piano-teaching College students including myself, was a success for all students.
This time we - again - had students of all ages who performed their best and showcased their work over the semester. A total of eight of my students participated, which was a huge success for me and made me even prouder. Thank You to all parents who let me work with their talented children, and amazing job to all performers!
Our second studio recital this year, organized by the KSU Kansas Music Teachers Association Collegiate Chapter, which consists of a handful of piano-teaching College students including myself, was a success for all students.
This time we - again - had students of all ages who performed their best and showcased their work over the semester. A total of eight of my students participated, which was a huge success for me and made me even prouder. Thank You to all parents who let me work with their talented children, and amazing job to all performers!
10/19/18 | Auntie Mae's Parlor, Manhattan, KS
On this lovely Friday night we were back the first time this semester at our favorite venue. With our usual formation of me on the keys, Matthew Meals on bass, and Robert Rodriguez on drums, we again featured our go-to vocalist Nick Overbey who helped us put on a great show.
After opening with Oscar Peterson's version of the Ellington classic "C-Jam Blues", we included Chick Corea's "Spain", Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage", and another original of mine called "Same Old". For the second set we shifted a little more into the fusion direction with tunes like "Wait for the Moment" by Vulfpeck, "Mind Trick" by Jamie Cullum, and the headhunters-version of Hancock's "Watermelon man", on which we featured alt-saxophonist Griffin Marion.
Last but not least we closed with one of our favorites, John Mayer's "Stiched Up" for which we also had our good friend and guitarist Ethan Levin on stage, and I played backings on the trumpet together with Griffin, as can be seen on the picture.
Thank You to all who contributed to this amazing show!
On this lovely Friday night we were back the first time this semester at our favorite venue. With our usual formation of me on the keys, Matthew Meals on bass, and Robert Rodriguez on drums, we again featured our go-to vocalist Nick Overbey who helped us put on a great show.
After opening with Oscar Peterson's version of the Ellington classic "C-Jam Blues", we included Chick Corea's "Spain", Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage", and another original of mine called "Same Old". For the second set we shifted a little more into the fusion direction with tunes like "Wait for the Moment" by Vulfpeck, "Mind Trick" by Jamie Cullum, and the headhunters-version of Hancock's "Watermelon man", on which we featured alt-saxophonist Griffin Marion.
Last but not least we closed with one of our favorites, John Mayer's "Stiched Up" for which we also had our good friend and guitarist Ethan Levin on stage, and I played backings on the trumpet together with Griffin, as can be seen on the picture.
Thank You to all who contributed to this amazing show!
10/5-6/18 | The Columbian Theatre, Wamego, KS
Featuring touring vocalist Mandy Kerridge, I got to put on a fun show at the Columbian Theatre with several other vocalists, Robert Rodriguez on drums, Michael T. Brown on bass, and Jacob Wright on tenor sax.
Two nights in a row the house was packed and visitors loved the 2.5 hour show that was put on, featuring each of us instrumentalists on solos just as much as vocalists were singing and dancing around in front of us. The overall theme was the "Judy Garland Songbook," which is why all tunes that night had once been sung by and were devoted to the great American actress and singer Judy Garland, such as "The Man That Got Away", "You're Nobody 'Till Somebody Loves You", and many others. A fun show with fun people!
Featuring touring vocalist Mandy Kerridge, I got to put on a fun show at the Columbian Theatre with several other vocalists, Robert Rodriguez on drums, Michael T. Brown on bass, and Jacob Wright on tenor sax.
Two nights in a row the house was packed and visitors loved the 2.5 hour show that was put on, featuring each of us instrumentalists on solos just as much as vocalists were singing and dancing around in front of us. The overall theme was the "Judy Garland Songbook," which is why all tunes that night had once been sung by and were devoted to the great American actress and singer Judy Garland, such as "The Man That Got Away", "You're Nobody 'Till Somebody Loves You", and many others. A fun show with fun people!
9/28/18 | All Faiths Chapel, Manhattan, KS
On this lovely Friday night there was a rather unusual event in All Faiths Chapel on the KSU Campus. Conducted by Organ Professor Dr. David Pickering, a movie entitled "The Pipes at All Faiths Chapel" was premiered tonight, explaining the history and circumstances of this unique Kansan instrument.
Before the actual video was played, Dr. Pickering himself and three of his Organ students showcased the beautiful Organ by performing short, live selections. That night, I played "Pasticcio", a short but interesting piece, almost in form of a dialogue, by the famous Organ composer Jean Langlais. While there are no recordings from that night, the video itself, "The Pipes at All Faiths Chapel", is up and online. Take some time and enjoy this masterpiece, funded by the San Francisco Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
On this lovely Friday night there was a rather unusual event in All Faiths Chapel on the KSU Campus. Conducted by Organ Professor Dr. David Pickering, a movie entitled "The Pipes at All Faiths Chapel" was premiered tonight, explaining the history and circumstances of this unique Kansan instrument.
Before the actual video was played, Dr. Pickering himself and three of his Organ students showcased the beautiful Organ by performing short, live selections. That night, I played "Pasticcio", a short but interesting piece, almost in form of a dialogue, by the famous Organ composer Jean Langlais. While there are no recordings from that night, the video itself, "The Pipes at All Faiths Chapel", is up and online. Take some time and enjoy this masterpiece, funded by the San Francisco Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
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6/1/18 | RowHouse Restaurant, Topeka, KS
On a gorgeous Friday night, I had the privilege of playing at this beautiful venue with Susan Hancock on vocals and James Ryan on tenor sax. With this rather unusual Trio setting I was certainly challenged on the piano, but the crowd seemed to like it and we went for a full two hours.
Whether people just came out with lawn chairs to listen, or sat on the back patio of the restaurant to dine while soaking up the atmosphere, this show was a success to be repeated in hopefully the near future.
On a gorgeous Friday night, I had the privilege of playing at this beautiful venue with Susan Hancock on vocals and James Ryan on tenor sax. With this rather unusual Trio setting I was certainly challenged on the piano, but the crowd seemed to like it and we went for a full two hours.
Whether people just came out with lawn chairs to listen, or sat on the back patio of the restaurant to dine while soaking up the atmosphere, this show was a success to be repeated in hopefully the near future.
4/28/18 | Meadowlark Retirement Home, Manhattan, KS
Organized by the KSU Kansas Music Teachers Association Collegiate Chapter, which consists of a handful of piano-teaching College students including myself, this recital was for our students who are ranging from ages 4-16. From one-voice 30-second beginner etudes out of the method book up to multi-movement Liszt sonatas we heard everything.
It was an overall amazing event that not only showed the student's parents just how hard their kids had been working on learning the piano, but also made every student a better person and musician by being exposed to the multitude and variety of great, carefully prepared music.
Great job to everyone, and especially to the three of my students who performed this day. I could not be prouder!
Organized by the KSU Kansas Music Teachers Association Collegiate Chapter, which consists of a handful of piano-teaching College students including myself, this recital was for our students who are ranging from ages 4-16. From one-voice 30-second beginner etudes out of the method book up to multi-movement Liszt sonatas we heard everything.
It was an overall amazing event that not only showed the student's parents just how hard their kids had been working on learning the piano, but also made every student a better person and musician by being exposed to the multitude and variety of great, carefully prepared music.
Great job to everyone, and especially to the three of my students who performed this day. I could not be prouder!
4/14/18 | C.L. Hoover Opera House, Junction City, KS
As promised, this project continued and I was back with "Jazz at the Junction" on a fun Saturday night in April of 2018. Susan Hancock (vocals), Wayne Goins (guitar), Matthew Meals (bass), Robert Rodriguez (drums), James Ryan (tenor sax), and myself on the keyboard had a grand time at this two-hour show.
While we swung it with Rodger's classics like "Dancing on the Ceiling" or "People Will Say We're in Love", we also performed Diana Krall renditions of "Frim Fram Sauce" or "Almost Blue", as well as Esperanza Spalding's version of "On the Sunny Side of the Street" as our closer. A lot of weeks of rehearsals went into this show, but every minute was worth it and made us all better musicians I believe.
Thank You for Joe and Sheila Markley for hosting us at the Opera House, and hopefully we will be back again next spring.
As promised, this project continued and I was back with "Jazz at the Junction" on a fun Saturday night in April of 2018. Susan Hancock (vocals), Wayne Goins (guitar), Matthew Meals (bass), Robert Rodriguez (drums), James Ryan (tenor sax), and myself on the keyboard had a grand time at this two-hour show.
While we swung it with Rodger's classics like "Dancing on the Ceiling" or "People Will Say We're in Love", we also performed Diana Krall renditions of "Frim Fram Sauce" or "Almost Blue", as well as Esperanza Spalding's version of "On the Sunny Side of the Street" as our closer. A lot of weeks of rehearsals went into this show, but every minute was worth it and made us all better musicians I believe.
Thank You for Joe and Sheila Markley for hosting us at the Opera House, and hopefully we will be back again next spring.
2/8/18 | Auntie Mae's Parlor, Manhattan, KS
With an earlier formation of the Solars Trio I had the privilege of playing with Richard Welch on drums and Matthew Meals on bass, featuring the great Nick Overbey on vocals. Not knowing what we had gotten ourselves into, this was the start of a great Friday-night Jazz tradition at this beloved local bar in Aggieville, MHK.
We opened up with classics like Parker's "Blues for Alice", Davis's "All Blues", and Rodger's "Isn't it Romantic" in the style of Bill Evans. Throughout the night we also took it slower sometimes with tunes like J. J. Johnson's "Lament" or my original "Mood Changes", but then always came back strong with favorites like "I Wish" by Stevie Wonder and even a German classic by Roger Cicero, titled "Zieh' die Schuh' aus."
Enjoy this recording of our rendition of Freddie Hubbard's Red Clay, one of our favorites!
With an earlier formation of the Solars Trio I had the privilege of playing with Richard Welch on drums and Matthew Meals on bass, featuring the great Nick Overbey on vocals. Not knowing what we had gotten ourselves into, this was the start of a great Friday-night Jazz tradition at this beloved local bar in Aggieville, MHK.
We opened up with classics like Parker's "Blues for Alice", Davis's "All Blues", and Rodger's "Isn't it Romantic" in the style of Bill Evans. Throughout the night we also took it slower sometimes with tunes like J. J. Johnson's "Lament" or my original "Mood Changes", but then always came back strong with favorites like "I Wish" by Stevie Wonder and even a German classic by Roger Cicero, titled "Zieh' die Schuh' aus."
Enjoy this recording of our rendition of Freddie Hubbard's Red Clay, one of our favorites!
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8/31/17 | Bluemont Hotel Rooftop Lounge, Manhattan, KS
On this gig I had the privilege to get together with some of my best colleagues and friends, Jacob Wright (Sax), Matthew Meals (Bass), and Robert Rodriguez (Drums), as the "Jacob Wright Quartet." One of the last warm summer nights of this year provided the perfect setting for the beautiful scenery of Manhattan, visible from the rooftop of the Bluemont Hotel.
We challenged ourselves with bepop tunes like "Moose the Mooche," famous compositions such as "Spain" by Chick Corea, and a lot of Jeff Lorber style fusion Jazz. It was a great atmosphere and due to the positive feedback we will be playing there again on Wednesday, October 4th, from 7-9:30 PM.
On this gig I had the privilege to get together with some of my best colleagues and friends, Jacob Wright (Sax), Matthew Meals (Bass), and Robert Rodriguez (Drums), as the "Jacob Wright Quartet." One of the last warm summer nights of this year provided the perfect setting for the beautiful scenery of Manhattan, visible from the rooftop of the Bluemont Hotel.
We challenged ourselves with bepop tunes like "Moose the Mooche," famous compositions such as "Spain" by Chick Corea, and a lot of Jeff Lorber style fusion Jazz. It was a great atmosphere and due to the positive feedback we will be playing there again on Wednesday, October 4th, from 7-9:30 PM.
5/13/17 | Manhattan Arts Center, Manhattan, KS
The same project as below, this combo features some of my colleagues and friends, Dr. Wayne Goins on the guitar, and vocalist Susan Hancock.
In preparation for this we had weekly morning rehearsals consisting of choosing the right tunes, arranging each, and rehearsing to perfection. Our goal was to display a variety of Jazz from Chicago-style Blues to Latin Jazz.
It ended up being a great Saturday night concert in a filled auditorium with short reception afterwards. This gig will most likely be repeated in the Spring of 2018.
Below two short videos, one of Norman Gimbel's "Quien Sera," and one of the famous "St. Louis Blues," with Ethan Levin (Guitar), Susan Hancock (Vocals), Wayne Goins (Guitar), Robert Rodriguez (Drums), Daniel Dissmore (Trumpet), and me on the piano.
Enjoy!
The same project as below, this combo features some of my colleagues and friends, Dr. Wayne Goins on the guitar, and vocalist Susan Hancock.
In preparation for this we had weekly morning rehearsals consisting of choosing the right tunes, arranging each, and rehearsing to perfection. Our goal was to display a variety of Jazz from Chicago-style Blues to Latin Jazz.
It ended up being a great Saturday night concert in a filled auditorium with short reception afterwards. This gig will most likely be repeated in the Spring of 2018.
Below two short videos, one of Norman Gimbel's "Quien Sera," and one of the famous "St. Louis Blues," with Ethan Levin (Guitar), Susan Hancock (Vocals), Wayne Goins (Guitar), Robert Rodriguez (Drums), Daniel Dissmore (Trumpet), and me on the piano.
Enjoy!
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4/22/17 | C.L. Hoover Opera House, Junction City, KS
This project is still ongoing and consists of four K-State Music students
(including myself), featuring the one and only Dr. Wayne Goins on the
guitar and vocalist Susan Hancock.
Starting this band we put in a lot of work to learn each others' styles to then come up with the best possible arrangement. I had a fun and fulfilling time working with these colleagues and look forward to doing the same gig again in the Spring of 2018, on April 14th.
This project is still ongoing and consists of four K-State Music students
(including myself), featuring the one and only Dr. Wayne Goins on the
guitar and vocalist Susan Hancock.
Starting this band we put in a lot of work to learn each others' styles to then come up with the best possible arrangement. I had a fun and fulfilling time working with these colleagues and look forward to doing the same gig again in the Spring of 2018, on April 14th.