(Editor’s note: Sam Geati is a resident of Sun City whose musical background spans over 60 years. He started out on piano in grade school and began percussion training in high school because he wanted to be in the marching band. During his youth, he was a member of the drum section of the famed Cavaliers National Champion Drum and Bugle Corps. During that time, he was also playing in jazz groups, including his own quintet while attending NIU. He has instructed many students and groups throughout his career, including being a volunteer instructor with the percussion section of the Huntley High School Marching Band. Currently, Sam can be seen and heard as a percussionist with the Sun City Concert Band, the “Let’s Dance” swing band, which he helped form, and his own trio called “Blue Skies.”)
Greetings Music Lovers,
First, a few words of explanation about this new column. Each edition will feature musicians from various generations and genres with a variety of styles, each talented and unique in their time. My primary objective is to introduce or re-introduce readers to some of the great musicians of our time. Secondly, I hope that I am able to assist readers who are unaccustomed to using the Internet to find and listen to music. I will also be calling your attention to local performances of jazz, rock, classical, and other musical styles at nearby venues.
My first featured artist is a piano legend: George Shearing. George was born blind to working class parents (his father delivered coal and his mother cleaned trains) in Battersea, South London, England, 1919. He was the youngest of nine children. He started learning the piano at three and at 28 made his first appearance as a musical guest on the BBC.
In 1947, he moved to the United States and his career took off. He played with Nat King Cole, Nancy Wilson and, most notably, Mel Tormé, among others. However, George’s best works came playing solo or with groups he formed.
I grew up listening to George’s music and love the smooth styling of his playing. His group fits together like a comfortable slipper, blending and complementing each other at the same time, all while improvising. The two selections I have chosen for you to hear are typical of George’s smooth and easy style. However, to me, he is a con man, making me feel like there’s nothing to it. He just sits down at the piano and lets it flow. I did mention his blindness, didn’t I?
To listen to samples of George’s music, go to YouTube and enter the following:
The Shadow of Your Smile by George Shearing and Lullaby of Birdland – George Shearing – 1987
Now for something more contemporary, The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman:
This group is one of my favorite Jazz/Rock Fusion groups. I love the mix of the two genres. As a drummer, it is my favorite style of music to play because it has the nuances and syncopation of jazz mixed with the excitement of rock. Fans who have followed Russ Freeman and The Rippingtons for any stretch of time over the past quarter century know the versatile award-winning and Grammy nominated guitarist/composer has long had a penchant for naming songs and albums after exotic places. These include “Kilimanjaro,” “Tourist in Paradise,” “Welcome to the St. James Club,” “Weekend in Monaco,” and “Sahara.”
In recent years, The Rippingtons’ fan base has increased exponentially, as the group’s longtime admirers transfer their passion for the music to their children. Young jazz musicians are becoming fans of the band and emulating their style. In 2006, the band celebrated two decades of instrumental magic with The Rippingtons 20th Anniversary, a remarkable CD/DVD package that included a CD of all new Ripps music and a DVD.
My favorite CD is “Live Across America.” To see and hear the band in action, here are two of my favorite selections you will find on YouTube from that CD:
The Rippingtons – South Beach Mambo
The Rippingtons – Rain
Once you get to the site, you will have the option of listening to many other cuts by the band. It’s difficult to stop listening to them once you get hooked on their style.
That’s “all that jazz and more” for now. My next column will spotlight the Dave Brubeck Quartet, featuring Paul Desmond and my all-time favorite drummer, Joe Morello. We will also check out the works of vocalist/song writer Michael Franks. Please send your comments to me at greengeezer9@comcast.net. I’d love to hear from you.
Sammy
