Whatever the musical setting—whether solo, duo, trio, quartet, or quintet—pianist Joanne Brackeen's unique style of playing commands attention. In addition to her captivating and complex improvisations, she has written intricate, rhythmically daring compositions in a wide stylistic range. She is a full-time professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and a Berklee guest professor at the New School in New York City.
Brackeen was a child prodigy who at age 11, learned to play the piano in six months by transcribing eight Frankie Carle solos. By 12, she was already performing professionally. Some of her musical constituents at the time were Art Farmer, Dexter Gordon, Charlie Haden, Billy Higgins, Bobby Hutcherson, Scott Lafaro, and Charles Lloyd. Simultaneously, the Los Angeles Conservatory heard of her musicianship and offered her a full scholarship. She attended classes less than one week before deciding the bandstand was more significant....
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Whatever the musical setting—whether solo, duo, trio, quartet, or quintet—pianist Joanne Brackeen's unique style of playing commands attention. In addition to her captivating and complex improvisations, she has written intricate, rhythmically daring compositions in a wide stylistic range. She is a full-time professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and a Berklee guest professor at the New School in New York City.
Brackeen was a child prodigy who at age 11, learned to play the piano in six months by transcribing eight Frankie Carle solos. By 12, she was already performing professionally. Some of her musical constituents at the time were Art Farmer, Dexter Gordon, Charlie Haden, Billy Higgins, Bobby Hutcherson, Scott Lafaro, and Charles Lloyd. Simultaneously, the Los Angeles Conservatory heard of her musicianship and offered her a full scholarship. She attended classes less than one week before deciding the bandstand was more significant.
Brackeen married and moved her family, including four children, to New York in 1965. She began her career there with such luminaries as George Benson, Paul Chambers, Lee Konitz, Sonny Stitt, and Woody Shaw among others. She joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in 1969, becoming the first and only female member of the group, staying until 1972. Brackeen then performed extensively with Joe Henderson (1972-75) and Stan Getz (1975-77). After leaving Stan Getz' quartet, she emerged as a leader.
Traveling and performing mainly with her own band was a delightful and enriching experience for both Brackeen and her band members, which included Terence Blanchard, Michael Brecker, Ravi Coltrane, Jack DeJohnette, Eddie Gomez, Billy Hart, Horace "El Negro" Hernandez, Branford Marsalis, Cecil McBee, John Patitucci, Chris Potter, and Greg Osby. She has recorded more than two dozen recordings as a leader, which include 100 of her 300 original compositions. She appears on nearly 100 additional recordings.
If you've never been to Mezzrow, you are in for a treat. Like the much lauded and loved "Bradley's," this intimate club of 75 seats, features the best of the best.
Recently awarded, 2018 NEA Jazz Master Joanne Brackeen is known as the “Picasso of the Jazz Piano, ”She is among the notable pianists/composers who have broken the glass ceiling for women in jazz performance. But she is more than that; Joanne is an amazing MUSICIAN.
Her solo performances also cemented her reputation as one of the most innovative and dynamic of pianists; along with Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, and McCoy Tyner. Joanne has been declared her one of the greatest living pianists, hands down, no footprints!
https://youtu.be/eYujZRnPXe0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPYW76PBoyI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6zEbQQGNgo
KEYBOARD MAGAZINE ARTICLE http://www.keyboardmag.com/artists/1236/joanne-brackeen-to-receive-national-endowment-for-the-arts-jazz-masters-award/63391
You are in for a treat, but YOU MUST secure your (first class) MUSIC ROOM SEAT (only 40 seats available). This is as close as you can get to having this duo play in your living room.
Bring a group of friends to your (seemingly) very own private party.
The (coach class) LISTENING ROOM (only 25 seats available) can sometimes be a "chat room," you will get to hear, but you'll miss seeing these two as they instantaneously improvise and inspire each other. But something is better than nothing.
Don't get stuck "behind the curtain!" Buy your MUSIC ROOM tickets NOW and enjoy the MOSTLY ACOUSTIC splendor of Mezzrow; up close and personal.
HEED THE WARNING
Often the Mezzrow website shows seats available (and it IS correct at the time) for the 8:00 set and as well as for the 9:30 set, but it will be standing room only due to walk-up sales!!!
AS OF 5:45 PM on 6/22, only 2 dozen seats remain for the 9:30 PM set! Grab them quick.
There is a fire code and the aisles must be kept clear! You will not get to "sneak" or creep up to the music room, if it is sold out.
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