This week I’d like to take a break from my blog post series featuring jazz standards, mainly from the American Popular Songbook, and instead devote this edition to sharing a special video jazz performance.

Sometimes in the course of teaching a wide variety of piano students, I am privileged to witness the long-term development of one of them. Yes, it is true that many piano teachers have certain students who grow and mature under their guidance. Certainly these instructors stand back in awe as they witness the wonderful process of seeing one of their protégés achieve great results. However, I look for a certain unique quality that is deeper, at least in my eyes, than the traditional benchmarks that you might expect.

Needless to say, I always focus my attention and efforts on helping each student to find enjoyment and satisfaction in learning to play the piano. Our Hudson Piano Studio Instructors are dedicated to this approach as well, because each of them knows how vital it is.  However, it is also our goal to guide each of our more advanced students into finding their own unique musical voice.

The tag line on the Ed Mascari Piano Studio logo says, Learn to Play the Music You Love. When a student becomes passionate about learning to play the music he or she loves, the sky is the limit. Then, all of the practicing, listening, exploring and developing combine to help the student discover his or her musical voice.

Nearly eleven years ago, then seven years old, Ryan Billings began his musical training as my piano student. Always a diligent student, Ryan persevered week by week, month by month and year by year. Just about two years ago, something changed. His interest in jazz surfaced and he became passionate about learning how to play it. The longer he dedicated himself to his pursuit, the more he developed his skills and confidence, and in this process has truly found his own musical voice.

Before introducing the video portion of this post, I’d like to tell you a little about the piece that is featured. Saint Thomas is actually a traditional island melody adapted and arranged by jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins (born in 1930). Sonny’s mother came from the island of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. She often sang this melody to him when he was a little boy.

In 1956, Sonny Rollins’ album Saxophone Colossus featured Saint Thomas and it has gone on to become his trademark tune. This short 16 measure jazz standard is a calypso: i.e. an Afro-Caribbean type of popular dance music which came from Trinidad and first appeared at the beginning of the 20^th century. The simple structure of A + A + B + A′ features some well placed silences as well as the use of the familiar I-vi-ii-V chord progression.

In addition to several recordings by Sonny Rollins himself, the 40+ tracks I located on Rhapsody Music include recordings by jazz guitarists Kenny Burrell, Barney Kessel and Jim Hall as well as some fine recordings by jazz pianists Tommy Flanagan, Hampton Hawes, Michel Camilo and Michel Petrucciani.

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Although the tempos may vary from performer to performer, and the amount of island flavor (percussion instruments included) differs for each version, every rendition reflects a joyful spirit. So when you watch and listen to Ryan Billings’ video performance, notice the mood captured by his ensemble.

In the meantime, please let us know if we can help you in your efforts to discover your own musical voice. At the Ed Mascari Piano Studio, we believe strongly in meeting each student where he or she is. One of our Hudson Studio faculty members will be delighted to assist you in learning to play the music you love. So please feel free to contact us today to schedule your free initial interview/consultation.