Lot of things have happened during my long life, but, among them the opportunities to walk into the Copley Plaza or the Bemelman's Bar and listen to Dave McKenna or Teddy Wilson play solo piano all night for the price of a drink or two. A blessing. (I mean, what else could you call it?)
I studied with Ray Santisi when I went to Berklee. Towards the end of my last semester with him, he sent me to the Copley to hear Dave McKenna. I got more education that evening than I'd gotten all year at Berklee. He was truly a master.
I subbed for Dave at the Copley Plaza in the spring of 1982. He had another gig, but came to hang at the bar after his gig. i could have fainted, but instead I turned my head down and tried to play my best. Fortunately, i didn't play like Dave, so he listened courteously, ...but split before I could meet him.
There should be six million views of this incredible video instead of six thousand! Holy cow, that's an absolutely delightful bit of jazz piano! Dave McKenna!!
He was a SUPERB solo Jazz Pianist. Completely under-rated and under-promoted he was a GIANT in the World of Jazz Pianists. See "Dave Frank''s" TH-cam Masterclass on Dave McKenna for an excellent introduction to Dave McKenna's unique playing techniques!!
Well, that's just unreal. His left hand style is immediately recognizable. It effortlessly lays down a rocking swinging rhythm and clear harmonic progressions while the right hand captures, and toys with, the essential beauty of the melody. This has made my day.
I kick myself for not going to to hear him in years past (I'm from Boston). He was an original, nearly every musician could benefit from hearing his treatment of melody and rhythm. RIP.
I love this!! I hope that someone out there will transcribe this and other great Dave McKenna solos sometime. I'd love to try to play through this wonderful arrangement!Thank you for sharing this marvelous Dave McKenna video--I'll definitely be passing it on to my friends!
Good thing Dave isn't around to read these comments about being a "jazz" pianist. You could get away with :"stride" pianist, but he hated there the "jazz" term.
Lot of things have happened during my long life, but, among them the opportunities to walk into the Copley Plaza or the Bemelman's Bar and listen to Dave McKenna or Teddy Wilson play solo piano all night for the price of a drink or two. A blessing. (I mean, what else could you call it?)
I studied with Ray Santisi when I went to Berklee. Towards the end of my last semester with him, he sent me to the Copley to hear Dave McKenna. I got more education that evening than I'd gotten all year at Berklee. He was truly a master.
I subbed for Dave at the Copley Plaza in the spring of 1982. He had another gig, but came to hang at the bar after his gig. i could have fainted, but instead I turned my head down and tried to play my best. Fortunately, i didn't play like Dave, so he listened courteously, ...but split before I could meet him.
There should be six million views of this incredible video instead of six thousand! Holy cow, that's an absolutely delightful bit of jazz piano! Dave McKenna!!
He was a SUPERB solo Jazz Pianist. Completely under-rated and under-promoted he was a GIANT in the World of Jazz Pianists. See "Dave Frank''s" TH-cam Masterclass on Dave McKenna for an excellent introduction to Dave McKenna's unique playing techniques!!
Well, that's just unreal. His left hand style is immediately recognizable. It effortlessly lays down a rocking swinging rhythm and clear harmonic progressions while the right hand captures, and toys with, the essential beauty of the melody. This has made my day.
🎹 Dave was such a sweet and modest guy. I met him in London in the late 70s where we were both performing at the time.
Completely original and great.
Really great listening to a two handed original master of the keyboard.
Ken weedon
I kick myself for not going to to hear him in years past (I'm from Boston). He was an original, nearly every musician could benefit from hearing his treatment of melody and rhythm. RIP.
I'm from Boston and saw him many times. Never fails to perform wonderfully.
Always wonderful. Often with a Red Sox game in an earphone as he played.
Mater pianist who I was privileged to see
Love his strumming left hand...
The muscles in his face already start working before he begins to play - his mind is already in a swinging mood before a note has been produced.
Love you for ever, Dave.
This is the master of solo jazz piano. You feel the lack of nothing there.
Holy fuck. I fall down in admiration and awe...
What a wonderful piano this person is!
Such an amazing artist.
I love this!! I hope that someone out there will transcribe this and other great Dave McKenna solos sometime. I'd love to try to play through this wonderful arrangement!Thank you for sharing this marvelous Dave McKenna video--I'll definitely be passing it on to my friends!
Thank you.... And may bé I remember... SIDNEY BECHET.... in PARÍS..... SO many years AGO...... 🐟🐬👏👏💟🌀🌀👉👉
Wow. Dave McKenna screws up sometimes too! I feel a little better now
He's a great...
El espiritu de un gran musico, que honor verlo en este video. KP
Gee, he missed going into the bridge. His reaction is endearing; a great and original jazz pianist.
Seemed to surprise him as well. But when he gets going...wow.
サイコーです。感動感激しました🎉😊
Wow !
He's one of the last true masters...
Segun mi conocimiento, la mano izquierda tan excelente se consigue con la practica de Bach.............
Thanks for all these McKenna postings. I love his playing. By the way, are you any relation to Al Swearingen, the great "Deadwood" character?
I'm much nicer than Al!
Who isn't?
I love his style. Check out my Henderson's capers. Entitled 'Me at Henderson's starts at 30'...
... And... THE NIGTHINGALE BOYS... (from IGUALADA).... també... 🐬🐬🌀🌀👉
.
Good thing Dave isn't around to read these comments about being a "jazz" pianist. You could get away with :"stride" pianist, but he hated there the "jazz" term.