The Jazzschool Piano Sale
Internationally renowned jazz flutist, Ali Ryerson, is excited to return to Piedmont Piano Company with her longtime colleagues, Steve Rudolph on piano, John Wiitala on bass, and Akira Tana on drums. Their repertoire features beautifully arranged jazz classics by Thad Jones, Wes Montgomery, Brazilian masters Ivan Lins, Léa Freire and more. The quartet comes to Oakland directly following their weeklong residency at Hidden Valley Music Seminars on the Monterey Peninsula, where Ryerson conducts her annual jazz flute masterclass.
Craig Reiss, Associate Principal 2nd Violinist with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra and member of the SF Opera Orchestra brings his Eos Ensemble to the piano store. Along with Evan Kahn, Principal Cellist of the San Francisco Opera, and internationally renowned pianist Elizabeth Dorman, they will present a varied program of Piano Trios by Haydn and Dvorak. Dvorak’s expressive Trio in F minor showcases the exuberant rustic style for which he is most famous as well as the anguish of the recent death of his mother. Haydn titled his Trio in E flat minor “Jacob’s Dream” referring to the biblical story of the ladder ascending to heaven, and it imbues his inimitable classical style with elements of Austrian folk song.
SONGS & STORIES SERIESPianist, vocalist, and composer Katy Stephan sings a set of her favorite songs, including some originals. She’ll share stories about being a singer who also plays piano, singing in bands and choirs, and not being limited by genres. Followed by audience Q & A. Hosted by vocalist Sharmila G. Lash.
JAZZ PIANO MASTERS SERIES
arranger, educator, and recording artist George Cables has been performing as a bandleader and sideman for many years, along with the best the jazz world has to offer. Known for his own compositions as well as his creative interpretations of the standards, his repertoire is as varied as it is fun and engaging. Debuting at the piano store as a bandleader, he’ll be joined by Essiet Essiet (bass) and Jerome Jennings (drums). The trio’s most recent recordings are on HighNote Records with a new release scheduled for this Fall.
Chilean singer, guitarist, and composer Camila Meza, along with bassist Or Bareket, will delight the audience with rhythms and influences from Latin America mixed with the improvisatory flame of Jazz in a conversational duo and a repertoire full of lyricism, storytelling, and virtuosic interpretations.
