Finding something like Bradford Bahamas reminds me of why I listen to the music. Fear not, I'm not tired and emotional at the end of yet another shit-box of a week, please, hear me out. It's not for the wry, dry, sly lyrics, it's not for the sweetest, most intricate of melodies, it's not for the next level of six-fingered-guitar-wankery. It's for the mentalism and the astonishment that something new can bring.
Sun Ra (1914
1) American jazz producer, arranger, conductor, pianist, keyboardist. Has been on the jazz scene, producing for such artists as James Brown and George Benson as well as appearing in many credits for CTI Records in Japan and the United States since the 1970's. Claims to fame later became known well to his appearance are a fisherman's cap, a somewhat unkempt moustache/beard and aviator-frame eyeglasses.
Eliane Elias (b. 1960) is a Brazilian jazz composer, pianist, and singer. Born on the 19th March 1960 in São Paulo, Brazil, Elias started learning to play the piano at the age of seven, and was transcribing solo portions of her parents’ jazz records by the age of twelve. After studying for six years (and teaching by the age of fifteen) at Brazil’s prestigious Free Centre of Music Apprenticeship, she continued her classical education with Amilton Godoy and Amaral Vieria.
Keith Jarrett (born May 8, 1945 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA) is an American pianist and composer. He is considered one of the most important jazz pianists, renowned for his elaborate solo improvisations. He began piano lessons at the age of two and played for the first time on stage at the age of seven. In 1962 he played a self-composed two-hour concert, without the benefit of any prior formal instruction in orchestration or composition.
John Aaron Lewis (3 May 1920 – 29 March 2001) was an American jazz pianist and composer best known as the musical director of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Born in LaGrange, Illinois and raised in Albuquerque, NM, he learned classical music and piano from his mother. He served in the Army in World War II, where he met Kenny Clarke. After the war, they moved to New York City and he joined Dizzy Gillespie's band. He also performed or recorded with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Illinois Jacquet, Miles Davis, and Lester Young.
Makoto Ozone (小曽根真; born March 25, 1961 in Kobe) is a Japanese jazz pianist. He began playing organ at two and by seven was an improviser. He appeared on Japanese television with his father from 1968 to 1970. At twelve he switched to piano after being impressed by albums by Oscar Peterson. In 1980 he entered the Berklee College of Music and later worked with Gary Burton. He also had his debut in 1983 before returning to his native Japan. Citation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makoto_Ozone
The Play Bach Trio (also credited on releases as Jacques Loussier Trio), was a Third Stream jazz piano trio that became known for their Jazz interpretations of European classical music. The Play Bach Trio was formed in 1959 by pianist Jacques Loussier, bass player Pierre Michelot, and percussionist Christian Garros. They reworked mostly Baroque music, in particular by Johann Sebastian Bach, to fit their own style and instruments.
Lee Morgan (10 July 1938 - 19 February 1972) was an American hard-bop jazz trumpeter. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Morgan was a jazz prodigy, joining the Dizzy Gillespie big band at 18, remaining a member for two years. In 1956 he began recording as a leader, mainly for the Blue Note label; eventually he recorded twenty-five albums for the company. Morgan's principal influence as a player was Clifford Brown, having had direct contact with him before Brown's premature death.
Dubbed one of the "new stars of jazz" by U.S. News & World Report, and one of "today's most important pianists" by The New Yorker, VIJAY IYER is a forceful, rhythmically invigorating performer who weds a cutting-edge sensibility to a unique sense for compositional balance. Recently in the Village Voice, Gary Giddins described him as "one of the most original and accomplished young pianists in years... Iyer's percussive yet supple keyboard touch is something to marvel at.