Scene and Heard

Bench Strength

July 5, 2010

By George Laverock

The other day I was thinking about how the piano, a powerful communicating instrument, permeates our festival this year. I then realized that we will be presenting some 13 different pianists over the 10-days of the festival. They include:

David Torres - with Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band on August 6

Adrián Iaies (Argentina) - with his Trio on August 6

André Carrasquero - with Zapato Negro on August 6

Lou Mastroianni - with Orquesta Goma Dura on August 6

Rita Reichman (Australia) – Chopin recital on August 10

Eidit Golder (Australia) – with the Freshwater Trio on August 10 and 11

Rena Sharon – in recital with Yannick-Muriel Noah on August 12

Allen Stiles – in Joe Trio for Supernatural Noir August 12, 13 and 14

Joe Chindamo (Australia) with his Quartet August 7, and in a Duo August 8

Tilden Webb - with Jodi Proznick August 10

Miles Black – with René Worst August 13

Dawn Clement (USA) with Ingrid Jensen Quartet August 14

Ross Taggart – with Darren Radtke August 15

You may check out the details of these performances by clicking the on the dates above or by going to our website.

As you can see, three of these ivory ticklers are from Australia, and have never played in Vancouver before. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear all three, and it would be difficult to choose a favourite... but you may make your own decisions by listening to a few samples:

Sample one:

Rita Reichman playing Chopin's “Grande Waltz Brilliante”

Sample two:

Joe Chindamo (Live at the Umbria Jazz Festival – 2005)- "It's Alright with Me"

Sample three:

Eidit Golder (and the Freshwater Trio, playing Mozart) - click on the picture below to see this video

I'll be back next week to tell you about our special event: Supernatural Noir.
Until then, enjoy!