I got to see Dave play back in 1979, at the original Jazz Alley in Seattle. At the time, I was a student at Cornish School of Allied Arts, and a big fan! Unfortunately, I was also only 19, so I had to beg the bouncer to let me in for a few minutes so I could hear him play. I stood just behind him and watched his hands . . . amazing!
That calls for a Michelob...what a great - phenomenal - player Dave was, and a consummate professional. Even in such a setting as this, he maintains his artistry! Bravo Dave! Thank you for posting.
He seems to tailoring his expressive level to the level that will fit best with the room's basic indifference, without making the music boring or listless. A major feat. I tend to play my lil' heart out, no matter what, and that has gotten me fired from some background gigs, where the mngt. thought I was making too much music to blend in. MBB
I've read that for the most part, Dave McKenna played not too far from his home base of Cape Cod, and am I right in thinking that he never played any gigs outside of the USA except for a trip to Australia? I need my time machine again, I want to go back a few years and go to a Dave McKenna gig, and unlike most of these gabbling cretins, listen.
I got to see Dave play back in 1979, at the original Jazz Alley in Seattle. At the time, I was a student at Cornish School of Allied Arts, and a big fan!
Unfortunately, I was also only 19, so I had to beg the bouncer to let me in for a few minutes so I could hear him play. I stood just behind him and watched his hands . . . amazing!
That calls for a Michelob...what a great - phenomenal - player Dave was, and a consummate professional. Even in such a setting as this, he maintains his artistry! Bravo Dave! Thank you for posting.
Yes, this is the atmosphere of cocktail pianism allright. McKenna - the man with the golden arm.
He seems to tailoring his expressive level to the level that will fit best with the room's basic indifference, without making the music boring or listless. A major feat. I tend to play my lil' heart out, no matter what, and that has gotten me fired from some background gigs, where the mngt. thought I was making too much music to blend in. MBB
I've read that for the most part, Dave McKenna played not too far from his home base of Cape Cod, and am I right in thinking that he never played any gigs outside of the USA except for a trip to Australia? I need my time machine again, I want to go back a few years and go to a Dave McKenna gig, and unlike most of these gabbling cretins, listen.
A Portrait of Jenny
at least it's not just me who gets completely ingnored on solo piano gigs!
Where was this recorded?