1 pianist, 1 piano, 1 church, 1 mesmerised audience.
Appearing solo in this one-off festival venue, Trick played ragtime, stride piano, boogie-woogie and blues from the first four decades of the twentieth century. A simple, descriptive sentence that grossly undersells an outstanding performance.
Her love for the music of the period is obvious, each tune being introduced with some history of where it sits in the development and evolution of the different styles (so she's educational as well as entertaining!). She has a particular affection for the compositions of James P Johnson, several of which featured in the set list, but also includes some modern music written in the ragtime style. None of which prepares one for what an extraordinary talent Trick is, a virtuoso of early 20th century American piano music. There's sensitivity to spare, but most impressive is the speed of her playing, the left hand ofttimes a blur of movement, and the sheer joy her flying fingers emote. Even the most familiar of tunes, such "After You've Gone" take on a new life from her treatments.
For the closing numbers Trick was joined on stage by husband Paolo Alderighi. Sharing the keyboard, swapping in and out and around with one another, they provide double the fun, both visually and musically. Who knew the old Vera Lynn number, "We'll Meet Again" could be made to shake off it's staid origins and get turned into a piece so original, exciting and funny?
This was a breathtaking performance that will stay with me for a long time. To get some idea of just how good Trick is click here for a link of her performing solo, and here for the kind of choreography she and Alderighi get up to. And if you ever get a chance to see her live....grab it immediately.
No comments:
Post a Comment