My planned review for this week fell through because of a family emergency, so I'm going to do something unusual. This review is both a thank you for giving our town the very best in jazz and to make sure everyone out there is aware of the awesome talent of Dave Burns.
I've said many times, although not recently, that I consider Dave to be the foremost American jazz pianist. Several important critics have agreed with me. If you need to be convinced, just go hear him. Dave's trio, which includes either Lonnie Jacobson or Rob Leon on bass and Roger Van Zant on drums, is superlative. You can find them at the marvelous Banana Cafe on lower Duval Street on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and enjoy some cuisine Francais while you're there.
Tim Wegman re-opened his A440 piano store on Caroline Street with a great party. He was introducing his new line of Mason Hamlin pianos. Dave and Sunshine showed up. Dave took a look at the gleaming grand, ran his fingers over a few notes, and sat down to play it. The combination of player and instrument was handed down from heaven.
Mouths were flying open all over the room. If a piano has a decent tone, Mr. Burns will find it and show it to you. He played through several jazz standards, thrilling everyone.
"Speak Low" is one of my favorites. The combination of a wonderfully written tune and a musical mind capable of enhancing it was unbelievable. Dave Burns does the best improvisations these ears have ever heard.
To say the piano inspired him is a masterpiece of understatement. Ask anyone who was there. A few other folks played it, but the crowd went back to the food tables. When Dave reappeared on the bench, they returned. This was not Dave Burns playing a gig; it was Dave Burns playing for himself.
The result was that those who can afford a Mason Hamlin will be sure to buy one! Tim is to be congratulated for landing such a prestigeous dealership, but then Tim always comes up with something special.
Do yourself a favor. If you've not yet experienced the magical musicianship of Dave Burns, seek him out. I'll accept your thanks in advance!