One of the GREATEST JAZZ PIANIST OF ALL TIME. He along with Lennie Tristano really define solo piano with the walking bass line, but Dave McKenna used it in standards. This was something that Lennie Tristano did not do enough. Dave McKenna along with Oscar Perterson,Hamton Hawes & Dr Billy Taylor were some of the most amazing pianist i have ever seen. My jaw would drop when i would hear him do his "3 handed piano" approach. Ever the underated pianist, his greatness will never be seen again.
It is quite shocking how underrated Dave Mckenna is among Jazz circles.
Just because he wasn't seen as "progressive" or "revolutionary" like Miles for example, he is all too often overlooked. His Genius is clearly obvious to anyone with an open ear and mind.
I mean, I'm just sitting marveling at his fluid walking bass lines and right hand mix of comping and melodies then all of a sudden he breaks into an effortless stride never once losing his feel. The guy was truly a master.
I'm just a beginning piano player and watching this makes me want to throw up my arms and quit because I'll never get close to being this good..lol!
Thank you so much for showing the guy's hands. I like watching a piano player's hands to learn how he commands the keys. This is effortless in his playing! It's absolutely amazing, especially when he's doing the fast runs up and down the piano! I could watch this all day!
Hi DM fans, I invite you to view a wonderful master class on the music of Dave McKenna. Free, entertaining and VERY educational:) To view, type in "Dave Frank" McKenna on Youtube. You vill enjoy it!
Just read the sad news here now. Met him some years ago in Melbourne, Aust. He allowed me to film his whole performance on my home videocam and during breaks sat at our table. A thoroughly charming, humble gentleman as well as a unique piano genius.
So genuinely sorry to hear of Dave McKenna's passing. It's hard for us mere humans to appreciate how he evolved his unique style. His modesty was obvious to any hearing him. Thank you "McKenna fan" for these video memoirs of a great musician. I don't put many up in the dizzy heights with Oscar P. and Art T. but we have just lost another power for goodness and originality in a world and time where "mediocre" seems to be the password to recognition.
Brilliant as always with Dave. Don't you love his key changes. This is one of his classics. He is the one pianist I could listen to all day every day.
This video is dedicated to Dave's friend Scott MacKenzie, a true gentleman of refined and sophisticated taste. Mr. MacKenzie has been a tireless soldier in promoting the unrivaled art of Dave McKenna. We all thank you, Scott.
Dave was one of the all time great pianists. He once did a concert in my house
and my regret is that I didn't record it.
arthurtopilow 4 months ago
@arthurtopilow
:O lucky lucky guy! :)
porrada25 3 months ago
One of the GREATEST JAZZ PIANIST OF ALL TIME. He along with Lennie Tristano really define solo piano with the walking bass line, but Dave McKenna used it in standards. This was something that Lennie Tristano did not do enough. Dave McKenna along with Oscar Perterson,Hamton Hawes & Dr Billy Taylor were some of the most amazing pianist i have ever seen. My jaw would drop when i would hear him do his "3 handed piano" approach. Ever the underated pianist, his greatness will never be seen again.
MrEdium 4 months ago
It is quite shocking how underrated Dave Mckenna is among Jazz circles.
Just because he wasn't seen as "progressive" or "revolutionary" like Miles for example, he is all too often overlooked. His Genius is clearly obvious to anyone with an open ear and mind.
joyzey22 4 months ago
My lord, Dave was good. Really good.
danno99uk 6 months ago
Great Left hand! ... Right's none to bad either :)
ScottFree37 10 months ago
Damn, this guy was sick.
I mean, I'm just sitting marveling at his fluid walking bass lines and right hand mix of comping and melodies then all of a sudden he breaks into an effortless stride never once losing his feel. The guy was truly a master.
I'm just a beginning piano player and watching this makes me want to throw up my arms and quit because I'll never get close to being this good..lol!
Great stuff.
knuteboy36 1 year ago
Thanks for posting this video. I always liked Dave McKenna's playing.
davehorne 1 year ago
It's a very artistic way of playing!
filistro 1 year ago
Thank you so much for showing the guy's hands. I like watching a piano player's hands to learn how he commands the keys. This is effortless in his playing! It's absolutely amazing, especially when he's doing the fast runs up and down the piano! I could watch this all day!
AirStyle120 1 year ago
Hi DM fans, I invite you to view a wonderful master class on the music of Dave McKenna. Free, entertaining and VERY educational:) To view, type in "Dave Frank" McKenna on Youtube. You vill enjoy it!
Dfrankjazz 1 year ago
How is he swinging that hard?!
rtifishul 2 years ago
Written of course by Harry Warren of 42nd street fame.
lyrics by Al Dubin.
imonthebox 2 years ago
Yes: Unrivaled. Perfect Piano. The piano obviously had become a living part of Dave's body, mind and genius !
What a blessing - left, right and soul !
Let us all be thankful.
God gives gifts- let us all apply them well !
Thank you for sharing this very special, inspiring moment via your posting.
God bless.
YottaTaz 2 years ago 2
Just read the sad news here now. Met him some years ago in Melbourne, Aust. He allowed me to film his whole performance on my home videocam and during breaks sat at our table. A thoroughly charming, humble gentleman as well as a unique piano genius.
cat90012 2 years ago
(30 May 1930 18 October 2008)
R.I.P
danishpride1 3 years ago
Thanks McKennaFan for these marvellous vidoes.
So great to see & hear this giant of the Piano.
I had the good fortune to see & hear Dave in Brisbane Australia over a three day period in 11979 which I will never forget.
jmmhm 3 years ago
So genuinely sorry to hear of Dave McKenna's passing. It's hard for us mere humans to appreciate how he evolved his unique style. His modesty was obvious to any hearing him. Thank you "McKenna fan" for these video memoirs of a great musician. I don't put many up in the dizzy heights with Oscar P. and Art T. but we have just lost another power for goodness and originality in a world and time where "mediocre" seems to be the password to recognition.
Perhaps a biography someday?!
hawickbod 3 years ago
It´s so sad that this giant passed away yesterday. He lives on in his unique music. RIP Mr. McKenna.
pianojazz66 3 years ago
Thank you for posting the videos. I've seen Dave many times in person, and regret that he can apparently no longer perform.
The videos are a permanent treasure of my favourite, inexhaustibly brilliant pianist.
mermith 3 years ago
Brilliant as always with Dave. Don't you love his key changes. This is one of his classics. He is the one pianist I could listen to all day every day.
jimlinks 3 years ago
Thanks for these. Good job.
malcolmjohnmcneill 3 years ago
Another great clip from McKennaFan. He is right too about the great work of Scott MacKenzie in promoting Dave McKenna. Many thanks, Jim.
kpjjazz 3 years ago
This is from Dave's great Harry Warren album.
Love it. Thanks.
jgrodnik 3 years ago
It's a pleasure to be the first to rate (5 of course) and comment.
You can tell that he really likes this tune. If only Dave could get "back in town"!
Our very best wishes to you, Dave.
herrwilhelm 3 years ago
This video is dedicated to Dave's friend Scott MacKenzie, a true gentleman of refined and sophisticated taste. Mr. MacKenzie has been a tireless soldier in promoting the unrivaled art of Dave McKenna. We all thank you, Scott.
McKennaFan 3 years ago