Interesting, off-the-radar pianists

joelf · 10-17-2021, 08:18 AM

Same goes for Herbie Nichols, though he got a bit more play. Also did criticism for small jazz zines (he reviewed and GOT Monk early in the game). Died young of leukemia...

Recently unearthed interview:

joelf · 10-17-2021, 03:45 PM

**sgcim** · 10-27-2021, 03:20 PM

WKCR just played an entire album of John Hicks. Swinging stuff!

**mr. beaumont** · 10-27-2021, 04:13 PM

Current guy I don't think gets enough recognition:

**wolflen** · 10-27-2021, 07:23 PM

Lafayette Gilchrist

joelf · 10-27-2021, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by sgcim

WKCR just played an entire album of John Hicks. Swinging stuff!

He was a great man. He came to a joint where a friend was playing. I was just hanging out, and the 3 of us were in the same space. My friend, being a smartass, sneeringly said to me 'You know who John Hicks is?' Hicks immediately picked up on the vibe and immediately turned to me and said 'My life is your life'. I was moved enough by this to attend his memorial, which was packed with admiring musicians; fans; friends and family. There was music--- Kenny Barron played We'll Be Together again. Very memorable day.

Everyday people and uncommon musician...

**Neer** · 10-29-2021, 10:50 AM

Jessica Williams might be one of the greatest pianists you’ve likely never heard of. Strongly influenced by Monk, Coltrane, Miles and Sonny, she has a remarkable catalog of recordings.
One of her recordings that blew me away is called Virtual Miles. It’s a MilesDavis tribute where she plays piano and also all other instruments via MIDI. If you can believe it, the drum programming is very Tony Williams-esque (especially on the tune Anthony Tilman Williams) and the horns really convincing in terms of phrasing, etc.
Here she is on Piano Jazz.
Jessica Williams On Piano Jazz : NPR

**Neer** · 10-29-2021, 05:36 PM

Sal Mosca, Vardan Ovsepian, Manuel Valera are a few who I really dig, too.

**jameslovestal** · 10-29-2021, 07:59 PM

Don't know if Joanne Brackeen is off-radar but I have always enjoyed her records and overall musicality.

joelf · 10-29-2021, 08:39 PM

Trudy Pitts. Dunno if she recorded as pianist, but I heard her and it was wonderful...

**A. Kingstone** · 10-29-2021, 09:01 PM

Joel mentioned David Varielles.

David Varielles as a teenager contributed to Howard Rees' Barry Harris Workshop (Vol 2).(2002)

David played like a phenom with Jane Bunnett.

Howard Rees is a tremendous piano player. I've heard Barry Harris refer to Howard as 'my son'.

Other Canadian Harris Influenced Pianists:

Lenny Binder
Robert Rowe
Liane Fainsinger