Spike Wilner wears many hats. He’s a piano player, composer, bandleader, screenactor, club owner, archivist, recording company exec, webcaster, writer, lecturer and visionary about the transformative role of jazz in society. We’ve invited the piano player, but the rest of him will tag along.
A devotee of ragtime as a child, Spike progressed to stride and published an annotated book of Willie the Lion Smith transcriptions. His embrace of bebop is fundamental, but don’t be surprised to hear classical influences in his playing.
He explains his move to club ownership as defensive. He had a weekly gig at Smalls, a faltering basement venue in the Village. Spike’s story is that he bought in to save his own playing opportunity. That was eleven years ago. Today, he owns and operates two of the world’s most important jazz clubs, Smalls and Mezzrow, presenting about 40 shows per week with a who’s who of jazz—from the up-and-comers to the giants of this music and everyone in between. ...
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Spike Wilner wears many hats. He’s a piano player, composer, bandleader, screenactor, club owner, archivist, recording company exec, webcaster, writer, lecturer and visionary about the transformative role of jazz in society. We’ve invited the piano player, but the rest of him will tag along.
A devotee of ragtime as a child, Spike progressed to stride and published an annotated book of Willie the Lion Smith transcriptions. His embrace of bebop is fundamental, but don’t be surprised to hear classical influences in his playing.
He explains his move to club ownership as defensive. He had a weekly gig at Smalls, a faltering basement venue in the Village. Spike’s story is that he bought in to save his own playing opportunity. That was eleven years ago. Today, he owns and operates two of the world’s most important jazz clubs, Smalls and Mezzrow, presenting about 40 shows per week with a who’s who of jazz—from the up-and-comers to the giants of this music and everyone in between.
In my view, Spike and Wynton should share the Nobel Peace Prize for their tireless efforts in incubating, promulgating and presenting this music. And peace is inextricably tied to Spike's efforts. I look forward to the weekly emails that he prefaces with words of gratitude for his mentors, his staff, his audiences, the music and the musicians who perform and who come to listen. A Buddhist heart of compassion flows in these messages. Spike jokes that he’s an abbot tending the needs of musical monks and the monastery. The renunciation, sacrifice and discipline that the practice of jazz requires produces a music that repudiates evil, bears witness to suffering, and affirms interdependence and love. Jazz is Spike’s religion and ours.
Spike Wilner comes here to do what he enjoys most—playing piano—with longtime trio mates, bassist Tyler Mitchell and drummer Anthony Pinciotti.
Tyler Mitchell is a longtime member of the Sun Ra Arkestra. He has toured and recorded with Von Freeman, Art Taylor, Jon Hendricks, Shirley Horn, Rashied Ali, Franciso Mela and many others. He leads a trio of his own.
Anthony Pinciotti started drumming with Ira Sullivan when he was 16. Now based in New York City, Anthony performs and tours extensively. Over the years he’s worked with James Moody, Joe Lovano, Randy Brecker, Kenny Werner, John Patitucci, Jim Hall, Renee Rosnes, Benny Golson, George Mraz, Houston Person, Gary Bartz, Rufus Reid, Dave Liebman, Kenny Barron and Sheila Jordan to name a few.
So proud to present this trio. Please join us.
Spike Wilner Trio
8-11 pm Friday, March 16
1220 N. Mascher St. (steps away from the Girard Ave. El stop) [map]
We contemplate a $25 donation to support the musicians and provide appropriate refreshments.
Click RSVP to this invitation to get on the guest list. Invitation expires when we reach 70 attendees. Looking forward to seeing you.
Matt Yaple
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@exuberance parties at Matt’s are by invitation only to provide a dignified, comfortable and acoustically ideal setting for worthwhile art and ideas. Cellphones and other devices are to be holstered during the performances. Between sets, conviviality rules.
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