Here’s a review and photos of this great show. Check it out!
(And here’s my story written just before the 1-28-12 concert!)
Hard to believe our annual Boogie Woogie piano show is now in its third year. Each year, the Boogie Woogie Blues Piano Stomp, gets bigger. Last year’s headliner, along with the legendary Bob Seeley, was the great New Orleans piano man, Joe Krown. People are still talking about his Professor Longhair chops.
Michael Kaeshammer
This year, Seeley is back, along with the rising Canadian pianist and bandleader, Michael Kaeshammer, Michael is a handsome, young Canadian who is developing into a major star playing his own songs and interpreting others with a great band. But Kaeshammer started as a boogie woogie pianist and that’s how he met St. Pete’s Liz Pennock, who helps us organize the Stomp.
He heard how much fun our show was and wanted to be part of it – and getting out of Canada in January probably was also some incentive. Anyway, he’s coming down to close the show. He’ll also stay on stage for the jam with all four pianists, taking turns on two grand pianos.
You can check out more on Michael at his website: http://kaeshammer.com
Here’s the what the critics are saying about Kaeshammer’s playing:
“The boogie-woogie pianist best known as a must-see live act reaffirms his true colours here: he’s an R& B hound, particularly if there’s a New Orleans roll to the beat.” – Bernard Perusse – Montreal Gazette
“Kaeshammer has piano technique to burn, and has an acrobatic way with a grand piano. – John Terauds, Toronto Star
Kaeshammer is being hailed as the next big jazz crossover star to come out of Canada.
“The hottest Canadian music export isn’t indie rockers, it’s jazz musicians. First there was Diana Krall, then Michael Bublé and Matt Dusk, and now Michael Kaeshammer has come along…The German-born pianist’s latest could easily be the next big jazz record” – NOW Magazine
Kaeshammer is sharing the Boogie Woogie Stomp bill with Seely and, Liz Pennock (along with guitarist, Dr. Blues), and Craig Brenner, a boogie woogie star out of Indianapolis. Seeley, of course, is the 83-year-old dean of boogie woogie players, who studied with the great Meade Lux Lewis. Brenner has played with Bo Diddley, Buckwheat Zydeco, Matt “Guitar” Murphy and Duke Robillard.
As usual, along with the music, we’ll have a camera crew focusing on their hands moving eight to the bar. Those images will be projected on a big screen behind the players.
It’s my favorite show of the year. Tickets are going fast, so get yours today. At www.mypalladium.org.
2 comments
Paul, what a great night! We were so lucky to come to the Side door first “best local blues band” and it grew up ti become such a great event. I agree Michael was the star along with other great musicians especially Bob Seely. Although to be honest, Michael seems to concentrate more on singing than on playing boogie and it’s great Liz and you got this “young Seely” to St. Pete. One request – could you talk with Bob and have his CD’s for sale? I tried to find them after the show and was surprised to find nothing. Should have bought them last Saturday!
I was so excited during Michael’s performance. Such strength in his playing. The show was a great tribute to the Boogie Woogie piano style. I certainly hope Michael will return with his band next year