Virtuoso pianist Geoffrey Keezer will perform solo, on April 9, at Jazz Live, on the campus of San Diego City College in the Saville Theatre at 8 pm.
It's easy to forget sometimes that Keezer lives in our fair town. The Eau Claire, WI native spent many years as a New Yorker playing with virtually everyone in the mainstream jazz world, (including important years with the legendary Art Blakey). Since then, he has collaborated with everyone from bassists Ray Brown and Christian McBride to trumpeter Chris Botti and pop-superstar Sting.
Keezer international status means that, for the most part, like Charles McPherson, the bulk of his work is done outside the area.
This concert will celebrate the pianist's brand-new solo release, Heart of the Piano which is his first attempt at going it alone since 1999, when he released Zero One.
"I'm rebranding Geoffrey Keezer," he said. "I think I am a better pianist in general. I have a lot more technical control over the instrument-- more subtleties, better touch and better sound. There's just a lot more life behind it, informing everything."
I caught Keezer a few months ago playing in a trio with trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos and bassist Rob Thorsen at the Westgate Hotel, and I can testify that he's telling no lies.
I remember being completely knocked out by his fluid ability to transmit ideas into the air so quickly it made my jaw drop.
If this hasn't already sold out, you can call 619 388-3037 for reservations. Tickets are a paltry $10. Otherwise, tune in next Tuesday to 88.3 fm, or stream on the internet at jazz88.org
Virtuoso pianist Geoffrey Keezer will perform solo, on April 9, at Jazz Live, on the campus of San Diego City College in the Saville Theatre at 8 pm.
It's easy to forget sometimes that Keezer lives in our fair town. The Eau Claire, WI native spent many years as a New Yorker playing with virtually everyone in the mainstream jazz world, (including important years with the legendary Art Blakey). Since then, he has collaborated with everyone from bassists Ray Brown and Christian McBride to trumpeter Chris Botti and pop-superstar Sting.
Keezer international status means that, for the most part, like Charles McPherson, the bulk of his work is done outside the area.
This concert will celebrate the pianist's brand-new solo release, Heart of the Piano which is his first attempt at going it alone since 1999, when he released Zero One.
"I'm rebranding Geoffrey Keezer," he said. "I think I am a better pianist in general. I have a lot more technical control over the instrument-- more subtleties, better touch and better sound. There's just a lot more life behind it, informing everything."
I caught Keezer a few months ago playing in a trio with trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos and bassist Rob Thorsen at the Westgate Hotel, and I can testify that he's telling no lies.
I remember being completely knocked out by his fluid ability to transmit ideas into the air so quickly it made my jaw drop.
If this hasn't already sold out, you can call 619 388-3037 for reservations. Tickets are a paltry $10. Otherwise, tune in next Tuesday to 88.3 fm, or stream on the internet at jazz88.org