Results for "Richie Beirach"

Musician

Richie Beirach

Born: May 23, 1947

Richard Alan Beirach was born on 23 May 1947 in Brooklyn, New York City. Having a sheltered childhood, he started playing the piano at the age of 5. From age 6 to age 18, Beirach was given lessons by the pianist und composer James Palmieri. "James Palmieri showed me everything that I know about music,...he made me understand the deeper meaning of music."

Palmieri's lessons were strictly classic and until age 13, Beirach exclusively dealt with classical music.When, at the age of 13, he stayed at a friend's place, he heard Red Garland's version of "Billy Boy" from Miles Davis' album "Milestones": "I could hardly believe it. This was exactly what I was looking for, what I needed. Until then, I had only had a classical musical education: Mozart, Beethoven, no improvisation. I took the album to my teacher. He hated it, he hated it a lot…"Beirach realized that he wanted to devote himself to improvisation and Jazz. He tried and got in touch with Jazz musicians, while continuing to take lessons with Palmieri.

Video

'Round Midnight

Featuring the music of Richie Beirach
Duration: 05:06
March 1, 2026

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.

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Jaleel Shaw, John Vanore, and Richie Beirach

by Jerome Wilson
February 18, 2026

This program features music from Jaleel Shaw, Dawn Clement, John Vanore, Ian Shaw, Marion Brown and the late Richie Beirach.Playlist Henry Threadgill Sextett “I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air (Mosaic) 00:00 John Vanore and Abstract Truth “Gods and Devils" from Easter ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Improvising the Russian Classical Composers: Stravinsky, Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev

by Larry Slater
February 13, 2026

In the 19th century, Russian composers created timeless melodic works ripe for jazz interpretation. The 20th century in Russia ushered in decades of experimentation and revolutionary musical ideas.Prokofiev's output ranged from lyrical compositions to experimental avant-garde works. In this hour, you'll hear jazz interpretations of Prokofiev from Jo-Yu Chen, Peter Beets and Oliver Nelson. ...

Article: In Tribute To...

In Memoriam Richie Beirach: Chronicalling A Magical Encounter With A Jazz Hero I Never Met

by Victor L. Schermer
February 9, 2026

Note: This story about the late great pianist, composer, and educator Richie Beirach shares the author's feelings and thoughts about him as a result of their four-year email and phone exchange from July 25, 2019 to March 11, 2023. These exchanges followed an in-depth, two-part interview for All About Jazz in which Beirach spoke at length ...

Article: Interview

Richie Beirach: Indelible Memories and Thought-Provoking Reflections on a Life in Jazz, Part 1

by Victor L. Schermer
January 31, 2026

This two-part article was first published on All About Jazz on August 13, 2019. Part 1 | Part 2 Richie Beirach hovers somewhat mysteriously in the pantheon of the great modern jazz pianists. Some of the others in that category from his generation (coming up in the 1960s/'70s), like Herbie Hancock, Keith ...

Article: Album Review

WDR Big Band featuring John Goldsby and Bob Mintzer: Big Band Bass

by Artur Moral
November 7, 2025

What better way to bid farewell to a long, fruitful relationship than with a mutual gift? That is the decision John Goldsby and the extraordinary WDR Big Band made after 30 years of intense collaboration. Extended partnerships are perhaps not too frequent in today's jazz landscape, even in the more conducive orchestral realm: well-known are the ...

Article: Interview

Jamie Baum: These Are Her Times

by Dean Nardi
August 25, 2025

Jamie Baum is a world-class composer as well as flutist, who smoothly balances woodwinds with horns, guitar, bass, piano and drums so that they are equals. Her compositions can remind you of a Gil Evans arrangement with several decades of development added to create a thoroughly modern milieu. She mixes high-energy with ballads and Western foundations ...

Article: Building a Jazz Library

Ornette Coleman's and Horace Silver's "Lonely Woman" — A Disambiguation

by Artur Moral
July 27, 2025

Reality is filled with confusion and misunderstandings; some are suggestive or creative, while others are disappointing or, worse, malicious. The jazz world is no stranger to the first type: specific compositions are often confused or misidentified as if they were the same. Usually, this happens because of similar melodies or titles that are sometimes identical. This ...

Article: Radio & Podcasts

Johnny Hartman, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Will Downing, Joanna Majoko and More

by Jua Howard
June 13, 2025

Greetings Music Family! It's time for another episode of the “First Instrument Jazz Show"! I've got new music from Dee Dee Bridgewater, Joanna Majoko and Sandra-Mae Lux, and more timeless music from Johnny Hartman, The Blackbyrds, Whitney James, Will Downing, Etta Jones, Darmon Meaderand many more. Come get lost in the music with me!Playlist ...