© -Steven
Cerra , copyright protected; all rights reserved.
It’s always fun to
“meet” one of the current crop of artists putting their own stamp on Jazz.
Jazz doesn’t just
“happen.” It has to be brought into existence and it takes considerable skills
as a musician to do so.
The I-IV-V chord
progression, with or without a turnaround, may have generated countless Rock ‘n
Roll hits, but it doesn’t get you very far with playing Jazz.
Given the
challenges that it imposes for entry, imagine our delight then when we
encounter someone with genuine musical skills and talent who turns their
attention to the World of Jazz.
Pianist-composer
Shamie Royston was one such recent encounter and the editorial staff at JazzProfiles
thought it might be fun to feature sound clips from her recent, self-produced Portraits
CD and some background information from Chris DiGirolomo’s Two
for the Show media release so that more blog readers might become
familiar with Shamie and her music.
Shamie has her own
website on which you can locate more information about her, order information
for the Portraits CD and a listing of itinerary appearances including
her upcoming appearance on June 28, 2013 at the Montreal Jazz Festival.
Pianist/Composer Shamie Royston releases
recording "Portraits"
(Featuring Rudy
Royston on drums/ Ivan Taylor on bass/ with special guest Camille Thurman,
vocals)
“The Shamie
Royston Trio debut recording, explores original compositions that are captured
in a contemporary jazz style with many memorable melodies. The trio features
Ivan Taylor on bass and Rudy Royston on drums. This recording was to be
released in 2012, but due to touring etc. was held till now. Shamie Royston is
the real deal! Listen to "Portraits" to preview one of the most
exciting jazz pianists on the scene today.”
About Shamie:
Born in Denver , Colorado
Ms. Royston has
been known to be one of the top educators in her field at previous educational
institutions, and has been honored with awards for her teaching skills. She has
given clinics and adjudicated high school and college jazz festivals and has
been a clinician for top ensembles. But
now Shamie Royston is an up and coming pianist in the New York City
Shamie has an
exquisite way of playing the piano, and many jazz listeners appreciate her
compositions. She has written
compositions for trumpeter, Sean Jones, the all women's group, Sage, and
saxophonist, Tia Fuller. Shamie was commissioned by the Penfield School District New York
Since moving to New Jersey Europe and the United States
world.
Shamie's debut CD
entitled "Portraits" was released in March 2013, where her
compositions and performance are to the highest degree. ‘She continues to be a
leading force and a new voice in the jazz world.’”
Here’s Shamie
playing solo piano on Horace Silver’s Summer
in Central Park:
And with her trio
on Ascension featuring Ivan Taylor on
bass and Rudy Royston on drums.
