Jazz Piano from Ragtime to Modern Improv

Featuring the Wes Brown Trio. Wes Brown will present a look at jazz piano, from its early roots in Ragtime to modern improvisational techniques. Local musician Wes Brown has toured internationally as a member of ensembles led by Earl Hines, Leo Smith and Anthony Braxton. More recently he performed in China and West Africa with “Blood Drum Spirit”. Known primarily for his double bass skills,  Wes will demonstrate piano styles of some of the great jazz artists of the 20th century and will offer stories about the musicians themselves, some drawn from personal experience. Joining Wes will be bassist, composer, producer and music educator, Shimon Ben-Shir. Ben-Shir grew up in Israel, surrounded by the sounds of Middle Eastern music. He now performs throughout the New England music scene, playing in a wide range of bands covering diverse musical genres, including Big Band, Jazz, Blues, Rock and Pop. The trio is rounded out with percussionist, composer, and music educator Gary Fieldman. Gary has worked with many musical groups in the Valley and is known for his creativity and superb technique. Personal investigations of the jazz masters and the music of the European classical tradition have been mainstays in Gary’s approach, which attempts to define commonality in seemingly diverse arenas. Gary studies Tai Chi and is presently busy working on his Theory of Everything. This free event is sponsored by RiverCulture with support from the Mass Cultural Council. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic. In case of rain this event will be rescheduled. 

Admission: Free