Michael Kaeshammer Returns To Glenn Gould Studio 5/1, 5/2

Michael is an amazing boogie-woogie and jazz pianist and in more recent years, vocalist who's taking the concert stage by storm. After a successful appearance last year, he's back for two nights at Glenn Gould Studio on May 1 and 2 at 8 PM. Lovelight, his latest recording, documents the musician's latest incarnation in a decade-long professional career.

The handsome, boyish keyboard wonder still tears up the piano on a series of fleet-fingered, eclectic instrumentals. Yet the Toronto-based Kaeshammer has toiled tirelessly on his craft, resulting in Lovelight. The sixth album of his career and second for Alert, it represents his best work yet, and it is one with which Michael is thrilled. "This is the album that most sounds like me, playing, singing and songwriting wise. I am so happy with every single song," he says. The bright and optimistic vibe of the record mirrors his current outlook on life. "Where I am in my life is totally reflected here. This one is all about love and being happy, and most of the songs have an upbeat feel. My last album (2007's acclaimed and Juno-nominated Days Like These) was a little darker."

To record Lovelight, Kaeshammer and producer/co-writer Ron Lopata (Jacksoul, Tomi Swick) set up shop in Toronto's Drive Shed studio, along with Michael's live rhythm section, noted Toronto players Marc Rogers (bass) and Mark McLean (drums). Tia Brazda adds smooth vocals to the beguiling duet, "Give You My Heart." Another weapon in Michael Kaeshammer's formidable arsenal is his prowess as a performer. He loves to engage his audience, and his natural and quick-witted sense of humour is a real crowd-pleaser. Michael's onstage charm has helped him become an in-demand entertainer across North America and Europe (soon to tour China), and has won over the audiences of artists as musically varied as Holly Cole, Harry Manx, Colin James, and Anne Murray. Michael has shared cross-Canada tours with all of them, and he singles out a 40 date trek with Anne Murray as a real confidence boost. To Kaeshammer, "being onstage is about hanging out with people, having a conversation. I just love it. I don't want my audience to all be jazz fans or piano fans. I want people who want to hang out with me. You can really open yourself up onstage, and that's like a high for me." A committed road warrior, he just can't wait to get back out on tour to play the new songs of which he is so justifiably proud.

The broad stylistic range of the songs to which Michael gives fresh life mirror his open-minded, open-eared approach to music. Growing up in Germany, he first studied classical piano, before, at age 13, falling passionately in love with the boogie-woogie and stride piano playing styles of the likes of Albert Ammons, Meade Lux Lewis, Pete Johnson, Pinetop Smith and Fats Waller. His near-instant mastery of the form soon had him performing in clubs, concerts and festivals all over Germany. Later exposure to the sounds of New Orleans and artists like Professor Longhair and James Booker also made an indelible impression. In his own recorded work, Michael is not afraid to tackle jazz or blues classics or a contemporary pop tune, and artists he has covered range from Willie Dixon, Duke Ellington and Nina Simone to Jimmy Cliff and Sting. For more information, please visit www.michaelkaeshammer.com.

Sponsored by XM Satellite Radio at Glenn Gould Studio
Michael Kaeshammer

Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2, 2009, both at 8 PM / Glenn Gould Studio
250 Front Street West, Toronto
Tickets $49.50 (includes CD) - Call 416-872-4255 or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office

www.roythomson.com

 

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