We were delighted to welcome jazz pianist Michael Kanan, all the way from New York, to spend the day with pupils today. His busy programme included a workshop with our jazz pupils and a lecture on the Great American Songbook to S5 and S6 students.
Michael Kanan hails from Boston, Massachusetts where he first began to play the piano at age 7. He started improvising at the keyboard early on, and by age 10 he was listening to jazz. He has performed with several jazz greats including Tal Farlow, Lee Konitz, Al Cohn, and Alan Dawson and since 2001, has been the accompanist and arranger for one of today's most celebrated vocalists, Jane Monheit. With Ms. Monheit's group, he has toured all over the world, recorded several CDs and DVDs, and made many TV appearances, including The David Letterman Show and The Conan O'Brien Show.
When not on the road with the Monheit band, Michael performs and records with his own groups. He has made two trio recordings for Barcelona's Fresh Sound New Talent label: "Convergence" and "The Gentleman Is A Dope", both featuring bassist Ben Street and drummer Tim Pleasant. He has also recorded a duet with his longtime collaborator, alto saxophonist Nat Su, entitled "Dreams And Reflections".
Michael said this was his second time in Edinburgh, a city which felt like a 'home from home.' We hope to welcome him back to St Mary's Music School in the future.