A TRIBUTE TO FATS WALLER

ERROLL GARNER

& DAVE BRUBECK

 

Thomas “Fats”            Erroll Garner            Dave Brubeck

Waller


Please allow me to introduce you to three of the greatest Jazz pianists in history.


We begin with Brian Murphy at the piano playing

“The Joint is Jumpin' ", written and popularized by Fats Waller.

Erroll Garner's "Misty" & "Stardust" are next.

Dave Brubeck’s "Bossa Nova U.S.A.” concludes the medley.


Each of these stellar musicians was known as a “two fisted” pianist (stride style) and they were all prolific composers of timeless works.


Fats Waller wrote “Black and Blue”, “Smashin’ Thirds”, "Squeeze Me", "Keepin' Out of Mischief”,

"Blue Turning Grey Over You", "I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling" and his most famous songs,

“Ain’t Misbehavin” & “Honeysuckle Rose”.

Waller also composed stride piano display pieces such as "Handful of Keys", "Valentine Stomp" and "Viper's Drag."

His songs have become standards of the jazz repertoire.

One of his compositions of particular interest was

“Jitterbug Waltz”,

the original Jazz waltz composed in 1942.

I recreated the waltz as a 4/4 Latin Jazz extravaganza

for the late great Tito Puente and it was featured on his 1990 album “Mambo of the Times”.


Erroll Garner penned the unforgettable “Misty” along with

“Dreamy” ( also known as “Creme de Menthe”).

I also had the pleasure of arranging this beautiful piece of music for Tito Puente.

It was recorded on his 1994 album “Master Timbalero”.


Dave Brubeck is a prolific composer whose catalog includes

“In Your Own Sweet Way”, “The Duke”, “Blue Rondo a la Turk”

“Three To Get Ready”, “Strange Meadowlark”,

“Summer On The Sound” and “Unsquare Dance”.

His biggest hit was “Take Five” (composed by Paul Desmond).


I had the honor of playing a ballet entitled “Bound For Brubeck” with music by Dave Brubeck

featuring the “Maximum Dance” troupe

at the Miracle Mile Theatre, Coral Gables FL.


Thanks for your interest and your support.

I’ll keep you informed of the progress of the Tribute project.


all my best,                                

   Brian Murphy

management@brianmurphymusic.com

                                                                      ©Brian Murphy 2003 - 2011

Click here to view a (You Tube) video of the Brian Murphy Trio performing “Caravan” live in concert as part of a

“Tribute to Erroll Garner”.


Plans are in the works for production of a concert series with the Brian Murphy Trio featuring music from

“A Tribute To Fats Waller, Erroll Garner and Dave Brubeck.”

Stay tuned for more info.

Click the Quicktime player below to hear Brian play a medley featuring 

”The Joint is Jumpin’ “(Waller), “Misty “(Garner) & “Bossa Nova U.S.A.” (Brubeck)