GRAND MASTERS of the KEYBOARD
BILL CHARLAP and ROGER KELLAWAY
Jazz Piano Duet at Birdland
July 7,8,9, & 10

It was about 15 years ago, that brilliant pianist BILL CHARLAP stepped onto the stage at the 92nd Street Y for what was probably his debut performance on a concert stage. Here, with great trepidation, he joined a program of masters, DICK HYMAN and ROGER KELLAWAY, certainly two of jazz' most dynamic and admired jazz pianists. CHARLAP explains now how nervous he was on that occasion, but to all of us in the audience (yours truly included), here was a young man who was gifted.

Now a seasoned, well-admired jazz musician himself, CHARLAP is very excited about his collaboration with master, ROGER KELLAWAY (one of his idols). This will be a “first" after sharing the stage once long ago, now they step to the pianos at BIRDLAND for a merging of talents --- DUO PIANO - which will undoubtedly be fascinating.

ROGER KELLAWAY is long admired as a Pianist. OSCAR PETERSON says “I love Roger Kellaway". KELLAWAY has played with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Rollins to Michel Legrand, Bobby Darrin, Joni Mitchell, and Yo-Yo Ma. Equally admired as a Composer, he has written for The New York Philharmonic, Yo-Yo Ma, The Joffrey Ballet, and scored the Academy Award nominated film - “A Star Is Born" with Barbra Streisand. In addition, his composition became the famous closing theme for “All In The Family". KELLAWAY, the quintessential musician¹s musician, born eclectic, can swing as hard as anyone! His legendary ground breaking CD The Cello Quartet Album is now back on the market on Verve and has become a classic. He's a splashy, sparkling, and sensitive player that can dazzle you!

BILL CHARLAP's style has been described as hard swinging, romantic or rigorous. He records for Blue Note Records, and his latest CD Somewhere is a set of jazz interpretations on the music of Leonard Bernstein--a perfect home for Charlap's artful fingers ­ sophisticated, graceful and interesting. Growing up in a musical home, son of Broadway Composer Moose Charlap and Singer, Sandy Stewart, his repertoire is a vast library of the great American Songbook/Broadway, and beyond. While classically trained, he swung into Jazz by becoming the Pianist for Gerry Mulligan and his Band. From there Charlap has played with a long list of greats including Phil Woods, Tony Bennett, Frank Wess, Jim Hall, Benny Carter--his own Trio with Kenny Washington and Peter Washington, and more.

CHARLAP and KELLAWAY share a love of melody, invention, swing, interesting harmonies--and can cross and mix Jazz and classical. They will perform a program of known standards and some originals by Kellaway.

In addition, young 22-year old violinist YUE will be introduced to the audience for a cameo performance with CHARLAP and KELLAWAY. An award-winning Violinist from China, she is now highly admired by the likes of Johnny Mandel, The Bergmans, Gene Lees, and John Williams. This will be YUE's first performance in NYC.

Two Masters will meet at the keyboard--hope you'll join us.

Birdland
315 W. 44th Street (bet. 8th and 9th Avenues)
212-581-3080 for Reservations
Shows: 9 and ll
Great Menu -- Parking Nearby
Cover $30 Minimum $10