August 18, 2017 Playlist

Robin Williams was my favorite comedian. 

Like the rest of the world, I admired Robin and the work he created. After hearing of his passing my thoughts turned to a sonata I wrote for him in 1999 after being so moved by his cumulative legacy. I wanted terribly to get this song to him at the time but had no idea how to as I'd have been just one of his millions of fans. 

In any case, today I share that song I wrote for Robin with the world. It's a classical piece - one that may not be easily digested. I hope I was able to tap into his brilliance... and perhaps some of the pain.

The song is available for download on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sonata-17-for-robin-williams/id1019404531 and Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013RKL3UA/ref=dm_ws_ap_tlw_alb113

Sonata 17 For Robin Williams

I wrote this in 2008 when my piano was being tuned and left the felts deadening its strings as I composed - leading to this... the quietest piece I've ever written. 

Contemplation

I used two pianos and had a lot of fun improvising over the bass line in this his track from my album, The Bowie Variations. 

Let's Dance

This was a wild interpretation I did of the song Heroes. As it builds, I added a second piano and then a third. Somehow it tickles my funny bone. I hope you enjoy it.

Heroes

The best way to express my sorrow is through music. This song, “A Tribute to David,” is very important to me. I recorded it in 2011 for my Bowie Variations album and haven’t performed it since. While the whole album was variations on David’s music, this one meant the most to me because I wrote it for him. It’s how I felt about David in musical terms. Though there’s no doubt I have more music for David coming, this is what I have to offer this morning. Please feel free to share this with others and respond with your memories, thoughts and feelings.

Tribute To David

For those of you who missed the Periscope broadcast (http://mikegarson.com/bowie_periscope-20160116.html) on January 16, 2016, or would like to hear again, here's a new tribute to David - improvised live from the broadcast. Please enjoy.

Tribute to David, #2

For those of you who missed the Periscope broadcast (http://mikegarson.com/bowie_periscope-20160116.html) on January 16, 2016, or would like to hear again, here's my live performance of Space Oddity in tribute to David. Please enjoy.

Space Oddity

Mike Garson played these songs live on January 20, 2016 for the KPFK radio program "Dear Mr Bowie" with host Maggie LePique. Production, sound and facilitation by Ali Lexa & Mark Maxwell.

Tribute to David, #3

All Blues (Miles Davis)

Tribute to David, #4

I was deeply saddened by the passing of Keith Emerson. It has been a very difficult few months. We’ve lost several giants. This is a very short but potent homage I wrote for Keith several years ago. I am so sorry that I never got to share it with him. He was a giant as a pianist, organist and synthesist. His playing was outstanding and he gave us so much great music for nearly fifty years.

Tribute To Keith Emerson

November 10, 2016 - Sadly we lost another hero today. This song sums it all up for me. RIP Leonard. I know you heard this when I recorded it. Thank you.

Hallelujah

November 13, 2016 - Today, once again heaven welcomes another musical genius. Leon Russell was one of my strong influences for pop music in 1970. I was in an opening act band called Brethren with Rick Marotta on drums ,Tommy Cosgrove vocals and Stu Woods bass. We opened for both Joe Cocker and Mad Dogs and Englishman who had Leon Russell playing piano and organ. I watched Leon many nights and it was pure joy. Both his voice and piano playing were so very inspiring.

In the early 90s, on one of my jazz albums called JAZZ HAT, I covered my favorite song of Leon's called "Song for You" which is a true classic. My version of the song was quite jazzy and out there. Very few people have ever my version because jazz albums hardly sell! Ha!

So here is my tribute to a beautiful artist…

Jazz Hat

A Song For You

It’s Thanksgiving today in the United States and I’ll be enjoying it with some turkey and time with my family. My thanks giving / receiving has to do with all of the beautiful music I receive each day from a multitude of great artists. Radiohead is an amazing band and I’ve just completed piano variations on one of their great songs. I’m thankful to share this community with all of you and would like to share this small contribution of music.  Have a wonderful day…

Like Spinning Plates Variations

I wanted to share a little piano solo version of Imagine i just did in honor of John Lennon - such a truly inspiring artist. We have lost so many great artists over the years - especially this year. I think we have no alternative but to make many new ones. Imagine...

Imagine

Hurt

For Glen Campbell, a great artist who put up with a horrible disease for a very long time...

Wichita Lineman - An Homage For Glen Campbell by Mike Garson

Classically trained jazz and rock pianist with an avant-garde style. Worked with David Bowie, Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails and many more in addition to numerous symphonies. More at https://www.facebook.com/mikegarson/