'Round Midnight

Richie Beirach
Duration: 05:06
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Much praise has been offered about Richie Beirach, the iconic pianist who passed away on January 26, 2026. Emerging as a trio leader and soloist in the early 1970s, he immersed the listener in stunning harmonic improvisations, bursts of dense lines and voicings, and modern classical music’s use of dynamics and flexible tempo to create an effect that was concerto-like. On "’Round Midnight," listen for these draw-droppers: an ominous, recurring trill to establish the piece as "furioso;" reharmonization from 0:22 to 0:48 that explodes Monk’s already unusual chord changes; a blindingly fast, punctuated solo (2:10 – 3:41) that would give Oscar Peterson a run for his money; and an impromptu switch to tango feel at 3:57. The overall effect leaves one breathless. For deeper exposure, search YouTube for “Transcription Richie Beirach Round Midnight” and also read his AAJ interview Richie Beirach: Indelible Memories and Thought-Provoking Reflections on a Life in Jazz, Part 1.

Posted by Scott Lichtman.