This is a spontaneously improvised thing that I thought you might like.  Remember, I'm available for performances and I'm available for private instruction online and in-person. Keith Davis Music  I am available for online or in person study. Reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com Keith Davis Music ..read more

Jim Ridl is a great pianist! He's also a composer and bandleader and teacher. I recently had the pleasure of hearing him play at Furman University with the Tim Armacost Quintet. (I just interviewed Tim recently. See Ep 44.) I was particularly struck by Jim's touch and lyricism, by his command of harmony, and by his ability to improvise at length on a theme. He played a beautiful solo piano intro to Wayne Shorter's Infant Eyes that displayed all of these facets of his playing. He also displays great empathy and sensitivity, and strength, as an accompanist and ensemble player. The group also he ..read more

Tim Armacost recently brought his quintet to Furman, where I serve as an adjunct instructor. I was blown away! First, the band was great, world class. What brought it all together though, was Tim's wonderful playing and writing, and the conceptual approach he brought to the organization of the music. The thing that most impresses me about Tim's playing, is that it is thoroughly modern and contemporary, yet he maintains a sense of lyricism. His sound is big and warm, and he has complete control of expression and dynamics. He made the comment that he wrote the music with these specific musicians ..read more

Gary Versace is one of my favorite contemporary Jazz pianists. He's equally adept at playing organ and accordion, and he's a composer. Gary has taken over the piano chair in Maria Schneider's Orchestra, after the sad and sudden passing of our mutual friend, Frank Kimbrough. It's hard to imagine anyone else filling those huge shoes. Gary has played with so many of the current Jazz greats. I had the opportunity to hear him and meet him when he performed at Furman University with Dave Pietro's quintet. And Gary and I have another mutual friend and influence, the master, Art Lande. Art speaks very ..read more

Johnathan Blake is one of the busiest drummers around these days. Besides being an amazingly talented drummer, he is also a composer and educator. He plays with all of the best musicians on today's scene. In this great conversation, we talk about Johnathan's experiences growing up in a musical household, through his education and early development, all the way up to his many and varied current projects. Johnathan offers valuable insights into what it takes to become a mature and in-demand Jazz musician. He shares his thoughts about being a composer, as well. I find this particularly interestin ..read more

Teddy Adams! One of my oldest friends. Teddy is the Elder Statesman of Jazz in Savannah, GA, which is also my birthplace. We've known each other since 1984. I've learned so much from our association, and been given so many great opportunites to play and grow as a musician. Teddy is a fine trombonist, composer, and bandleader, and now author. He has one published book about his musical life, and a second one in the works. It's great to have this talk and to see how excited he is about the music and about the music scene in Savannah and the surrounding area that he is such an integral part of. D ..read more

Einoe! is a new tune that I just finished recently. It was first inspired by Art Lande. Art is one of my music heroes whom I had the pleasure of interviewing for this podcast. He was in Asheville a few months ago, and I got to spend the day with him talking about music and hearing him play a gig. He shared some of his compositions with me and talked about how he writes and how thinks about playing. Very inspiring! Then, the title comes from "I know!", a real Southern woman thing. It became a kind of running joke with Kristen as we were getting ready for some upcoming performances. So, this tu ..read more

"They Say It's Spring", is a tune composed by Bob Haymes and Marty Clark, and recorded by the great vocalist/pianist Blossom Dearie. My friend and musical partner Kristen Collins introduced me to this tune, and we are preparing it to play on some upcoming performances. I really like this tune. It's a traditional standard type of tune, but has a good melody and interesting harmony, and the lyrics are great, too. This is a sample of me playing a solo piano version at my hotel gig here in Greenville. The sound quality isn't great, but I was pleased with the interpretation. Kind of old style, but ..read more

Ron Free is a great drummer! He's another old friend, who I've known for at least 35 years. Ron is from Charleston, SC, and his life story is fascinating. He tells that story in his recently published memoir, The Lamb and the Dove: Memoirs of a Jazz Drummer. Ron recounts his story from beginning to learn to play as a boy in Charleston, through his life in New York City in the 1950's, and on into the present day. It is fascinating. It's like he's sitting with you telling his story. It's hard to put down. I highly recommend it.   Ron was involved in the early NYC loft scene. There is a very ..read more

Al Sergel is a master drummer/percussionist, composer, bandleader, and educator, among other things. He's also a great friend. I always look forward to the chance to play with Al, and this is a great conversation. He has lots of great things to share here about his experience, learning, teaching, performing. His energy is infectious and I know you'll dig it! Here's how to find him: Al Sergel Coming up this Fall, KEYS TO JAZZ BOOTCAMP If you have questions, you can reach out to me at: keith@keithdavismusic.com ..read more