Influences

August 18, 2017 Playlist

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

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

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.

All Blues (Miles Davis)

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 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

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

Keith Emerson's live tribute to late Kevin Gilbert (November 20, 1966 - May 17, 1996), a brilliant composer, musician, producer.  
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Gilbert

From Keith Emerson's album, "Emerson Plays Emerson"  (EMI 2002)

For Kevin (Original composition played live by Keith Emerson)

Looking back at my musical influences and I guess the most was ELP ,  Keith Emerson, Robert Berry,  and so many more .  It all started at 14 years of age for me.  But learning to play, and continuing to do so just a few years ago.    And though I will never be in that distinctive class I try and learn and learn... This is just an improv of those influences.  cheers G

A piece written in the quiet and calm of the early hours. Born out of the frustration and anguish of sleep deprivation. This is a slow and pensive piece with many rises and falls. The last fall is, to sleep. 

Speakers or headphones recommended. 

Awake Asleep

Composé, réalisé par Jacques Lemaire alias Idematoa, Septembre 2020 via Studio One
Free Download : https://idematoa.bandcamp.com/track/from-one-shore-to-another-my-new-life

Used Softwares :

01 - Spitfire Audio - BBC Symphony Orchestra - Core - Clarinet Legato
02 - Spitfire Audio - BBC Symphony Orchestra - Core - Flute Legato
03 - Spitfire Audio - BBC Symphony Orchestra - Core - Horn Legato
04 - Spitfire Audio - Aperture Strings - Aperture Ensemble - Tremolo
05 - Sonuscore - The Orchestra Complete - Violin 1 Staccato - Violin 2 Staccato - Viola Staccato - Cello Staccato - Double Bass Staccato
06 - Orchestral Tools - Time Micro - Bass Ensemble Triplets
07 - Spitfire Audio - BBC Symphony Orchestra - Violin 1 - C.Sord Long CS
08 - Spitfire Audio - BBC Symphony Orchestra - Core - Brass - Horns a4 - Legato

From One Shore To Another - My New Life

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/