July 21, 2006

The tunes they are a changin'

Mose.jpg

The Halifax Jazz Fest is on now! When I returned from Annapolis (late) Friday afternoon, I went to see Mose Allison play at the Holiday Inn. He’s 78 years old and totally wonderful. A good role model for anyone. Jerry Grenelli (on drums) and his son Anthony Grenelli (bassist) were also playing, along with slide guitarist David Tronzo. Everyone played their very best. Mose Alison’s passionate piano playing and intelligent, insightful lyrics were so inspiring, I kept thinking I wanted to study jazz piano just so I could be closer to him, understand his music better.

On Sunday afternoon I went to see (and hear) Peter Tagny play jazz piano in Mahone Bay. It was a beautiful setting, in a private home on the Bay. I love listening to Peter on the radio (weekend mornings on CBC): his conversations, his studio banter, his choice of CD’s to play. It was an afternoon of pleasant jazz commingling and improvised around classical tunes.

When I left that concert I knew it was definitely time to act on my long-time yearning to play jazz piano. I’ve always thought I wouldn’t be good at it, but at this time in my life, that is no longer the point. I just want to play. And lately learning and playing classical music hasn’t been as exciting to me as it used to be. So the time is ripe. I called a friend who has studied with someone in Halifax and I will call the jazz teacher as soon as the jazz festival is over.

Posted by leya at July 21, 2006 03:34 PM