Also Cool

Frederic Chopin

My favorite classical composer, Frederic Chopin. Born in Poland to a musical family, Chopin was a child-prodigy, performing his first concert at age 7. However, for the Polish pianist, public performances became a rarity with just 30 or so performances by the time he passed away at age 39. He is considered as one of the great composers of Romanticism. He had a love for music, and for Poland. He was very sick with Tuberculosis for much of his adult life, but still managed to compose some of the world's most beautiful music. Some of my favorites of his include:
Nocturne Op.55 No.1
Scherzo No.2 in B flat minor, Op.31
24 Preludes, Op. 28: No.13 in F sharp major
and
Nocturne in C minor
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Bill Evans

On the subject of jazz piano, I wouldn't think of leaving out Bill Evans. As Bud Powell was one of Evan's influences, he paid tribute to him in 1979 saying, "If I had to choose one single musician for his artistic integrity, for the incomparable originality of his creation and the grandeur of his work, it would be Bud Powell. He was in a class by himself." I would add that Bill Evans too was in a class all by himself. Bill Evans integrates some of the most creative and complex chord voicings into his tunes. His sound is unique and contemporary, yet he doesn't abandon the roots or style of old school jazz. Some of his bests in my opinion:
Autumn Leaves
Blue in Green
and
Waltz for Debby
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The Amazing Bud Powell

These next few posts will be "piano-related" as the piano is one of the coolest of instruments. Bud Powell is one of the greats in jazz piano. He is one of the fathers of Bebop, along with Thelonious Monk. His tickling right hand solos earned him the nickname of "the Charlie Parker of the piano." I particularly enjoy the raw sound he produces, along with background rhythmic moans that characterize the passion he puts into his work. Bud recorded many tunes, some of the greats in my opinion include:
'Round Midnight
There Will Never Be Another You
and
I Remember Clifford
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