|
News and thoughts by Pianist Dan Cray
and the Dan Cray Trio.
. . .
10.01.2003
The summer went by too quickly, but it was a good one for myself and the trio. I had some great experiences playing outside of Chicago, and hope to have more in the months ahead.
The Solo Piano Competition at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland was certainly an enlightening experience. I got to perform twice on one of the best Steinways in the world (as I made it to the Finals), but also experienced quite a bit of hostility which I assume is a result of the political situation. At the same time, I did meet a lot of talented pianists and heard some great music (although there was a noticeable lack of jazz at the jazz festival.)
After the festival, I returned home for a couple of weeks and then left for a month-long Alaskan cruise with Clark. The opportunity to play every night on a nice piano was invaluable, and I resent the fact that such venues are nearly non-existant in Chicago. We made a lot of new friends on the Island Princess and got to see some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.
Back at home, the trio has released our second CD "No One," and it is already getting positive feedback and airplay around town. We're happy to be playing Thursdays at Pops through the end of the month.
posted by Dan at 8:57 PM
 
0 Comments:
<< Home
|
