Taylor Eigsti

Jazz Pianist: Taylor Eigsti

"Speaking Song"

Taylor Eigsti, is a virtuoso pianist/composer from California.  He was a child prodigy that got to  work with the late pianist, Dave Brubeck.  His style is more Swing than anything else, infused with Bebop, a little Classical, and hint of Rock.  I think he amongst the most special pianist right now, because his compositions and improvisations do more than accompany a vocalist; they create an atmosphere.  The stuff that he does on keys, most pianists are never able to play in their lifetime- and he's only 28 years old.  If you want to know what I mean, definitely check out his cover of saxophonist John Coltrane's "Giant Steps".  It's magical..

For Everything Taylor: http://tayjazz.com/

Gretchen

Jazz Vocalist:  Gretchen Parlato

"Better Than"- The Lost and Found

"Winter Wind"- The Lost and Found

Gretchen Parlato is a Jazz vocalist from L.A. She's actually not a new artist, given that she's worked with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Taylor Eigsti, Esperanza Spalding,  Buddy Rich, and so on, for roughly the past ten years.  Even still, her voice and music are still new or unheard by those that aren't musicians (Jazz in particular).  The first song, "Better Than" is from her album The Lost and Found, and it is stunning.  The track itself has a very laid back, in-the-pocket, kind of groove.  Her vocals are alluring, muted, and lay perfectly over the groove created by the drums and bass.  The second song  "Winter Wind" is another one of my favorites by her as well.  She takes some serious risks in her vocal interpretation of the music, and it pays off.  It also helps that one of my favorite pianists, Taylor Eigsti, is playing piano on this track as well.

For Everything Gretchen: http://www.gretchenparlato.com/

Will Vick

Pianist/Composer:   Will C. Vick

William C. Vick is a composer and pianist living in Baltimore, Maryland.  He is only 20 years old, but has traveled across the United States and Europe playing Gospel, R&B, Jazz, and Neo-Soul for various  bands and artists.  A self taught musician, Will Vick got his first keyboard at age 2, and quickly began playing for his church.  His church background heavily influences his style, that incorporates elements of Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Blues, and Neo-soul.  He developed his sound by experimenting with rhythm, harmony, and time across genres.  He's currently working on an LP of all original compositions and arrangements that experiment with these elements of Jazz, R&B, and Gospel in ways that senior musicians have yet to explore.  He's definitely a musician to look out for in 2013.  You can catch him playing at churches and jam sessions in the Baltimore/DC area. Check him out at Club347 every Monday nights.

Lift Off...

Live rendition of "Lift Off" from Robert Glaspers latest album Black Radio.  This album doesn't sound like anything out right now, but I'm definitely feeling the direction he's taking Jazz with this one. Love it. Wish I wrote those chords & progressions.

Check out some of his other work with The Robert Glasper Experiment and The Robert Glasper Trio...

"Downtime" by his album  Double Booked.