I had the pleasure of meeting and massaging James In Brisbane.He is quite a remarkable man.I am a professional therapist. Just in case your wondering.
P.S. @tonybooth4 - I am a classical pianist and have listened almost exlusively to classical music for 40+ years. I loved every note he played. Those who can - do. Those who can't - criticise.
I went to his Sydney performance last night. (Oct 21st)..he is brilliant. I then found this clip. He is such an inspiration. Of course the "purists" can criticise. As he says, his may not be the "perfect" performance. HIs mission is to bring classical music to as many people as possible. The only "criticism" I have is that he is brilliant enough not to have to use profane language in his performace. His stories about the composers are entertaining and engaging enough without the 4-letter words!
@tonybooth4 I really enjoyed. I do have some comments about his piano playing. I felt that in the first mov. of the Waldstein Sonata his left hand was far too loud. The third movement was much better though. The Rachmaninoff's C# Minor Prelude felt too fast and loud where it's supposed to be Grave and pianissimo. Also I think he used too much pedal. However I really enjoyed, and I liked that he got up and talked between pieces. One note: The Age made a scathing review, still I liked.
@tonybooth4 Also, it was the 19th of October in the Elizabeth Murdoch Recital Centre, Melbourne. He is not the greatest piano player you'll ever see, but an entertaining one at most. My piano teacher also saw him play in the 20th, and her opinion is that his is good for people who don't listen much to classical music, need encouragement or something like that, but was not bad at all. She agrees with my point of view in his playing though.
James, your music is the first classical exprience I have had, and it transformed me. It took me a while to let go of the habits that come along with listening to the mainstream kind of music, but without fail, whenever your album comes on my mood changes, I feel more self aware, I think deeper... thank you
Seems a better pianist than Helfgott to me, buckachiddy ... but I'm not sure he'd ever be able to record with other musicians - he is too idiosyncratic ... and, by his own admission, he isn't a Gilels or a Gould.
Way to go Rhodes. Classical is the new rock and roll, which was the new blues, which was the new gospel, which was the new jazz, which was the new classical. Full circle.
This guy is just amazing. Saw him live last night and was completely blown away - like the rest of the audience. The applause was so loud he came on and did three encores - could have done thirty.
Hmm I just can't make my mind up. I think he plays well but I worry that this will encroach on the classical world. Essentially he's a good pianist but I fear the pop world might latch itself on to him and drag classical music down with it. I like the way he admits essentially that he is not a pianist of that kind though, I do really appreciate that. The question I want to ask is whether he is bringing classical music or is he bringing himself?
I mean why can't Gould or Richter bring classical music to the people? They've always been there and people haven't shown a major interest in them. Are people now suddenly taking interest in classical music or are they just moving the destruction of rock 'n' roll elsewhere?
I can't get enough of this guy. An astounding pianist with a kick ass personality to boot. Without a doubt the most talented and original musician of the last 10 years.
An inspirational story to be sure, but set that aside and you still have the excellent playing of some of the most beautiful piano music in the repetoire. Can't help admiring the hell out of this bloke or his talent, and he is also genuinely funny, sweet and approachable. It feels like you could have a good night in the pub with him, and then he'd blow you away with his playing. He deserves every success.
James Rhodes you are a very talented, inventive and fascinating musician !
What I love most about your work is that you make a true and real connection through music. Your imagination, your craft give form to the memories contained in the masterpieces you play and come alive in your notes... Brilliant ! :)
First heard Jimbo on iTunes last year. Tremendously talented, massively modest and only ever so slightly a bastard. Am completely jealous; I freely admit it.
James taught my teen daughter to appreciate this kind of music and she now loves him as much as I do.
AmeliaAshtonBrooke 2 months ago
I missed him when he came to Melbourne, hope he comes back here again :( He is amazing
christacat 4 months ago
Saw him in Adelaide last Saturday...Awesome!!!! I'm 13 years old doing grade 4 piano and this inspired me.
googlyeyedgegza 4 months ago
I had the pleasure of meeting and massaging James In Brisbane.He is quite a remarkable man.I am a professional therapist. Just in case your wondering.
glennooz 4 months ago
P.S. @tonybooth4 - I am a classical pianist and have listened almost exlusively to classical music for 40+ years. I loved every note he played. Those who can - do. Those who can't - criticise.
ValuesConnection 4 months ago
I went to his Sydney performance last night. (Oct 21st)..he is brilliant. I then found this clip. He is such an inspiration. Of course the "purists" can criticise. As he says, his may not be the "perfect" performance. HIs mission is to bring classical music to as many people as possible. The only "criticism" I have is that he is brilliant enough not to have to use profane language in his performace. His stories about the composers are entertaining and engaging enough without the 4-letter words!
ValuesConnection 4 months ago
I'm going to one of his concerts the 19th of October. I will look forward to it.
RefugePiano 5 months ago
@RefugePiano what did you think and where was it? I believe he perorms in Sydney on 21st
tonybooth4 4 months ago
@tonybooth4 I really enjoyed. I do have some comments about his piano playing. I felt that in the first mov. of the Waldstein Sonata his left hand was far too loud. The third movement was much better though. The Rachmaninoff's C# Minor Prelude felt too fast and loud where it's supposed to be Grave and pianissimo. Also I think he used too much pedal. However I really enjoyed, and I liked that he got up and talked between pieces. One note: The Age made a scathing review, still I liked.
RefugePiano 4 months ago
@tonybooth4 Also, it was the 19th of October in the Elizabeth Murdoch Recital Centre, Melbourne. He is not the greatest piano player you'll ever see, but an entertaining one at most. My piano teacher also saw him play in the 20th, and her opinion is that his is good for people who don't listen much to classical music, need encouragement or something like that, but was not bad at all. She agrees with my point of view in his playing though.
RefugePiano 4 months ago
James, your music is the first classical exprience I have had, and it transformed me. It took me a while to let go of the habits that come along with listening to the mainstream kind of music, but without fail, whenever your album comes on my mood changes, I feel more self aware, I think deeper... thank you
33wonder33 5 months ago
Great James, just great, always good to hear the alternative voice........
Broomehall 5 months ago
music shifts away the cynicism....so true.
bravo james, yr playing is wonder-full. so glad u made it though & out the other end of yr ptsd (trauma)
.
untreated/unspoken trauma can break one totally...
yr an inspiration.
pickasomangoes 5 months ago
@BenMurrie Haha!
jaekn 7 months ago
LOVED how he finished the last piece. that's raw emotion coming out, raw feelings, not over-sentimentalized, forced emotions.
oitotheworld23 7 months ago
I am looking forward to finding something where I get caught up in the moment like James does with his piano playing. Inspiring story James!!
vilageman 7 months ago
Hey you sound cool. Hope to meet up some time, and be at one of your gigs; take care!
JezzKool 11 months ago
James Rhodes introduced me to classical music, and for that, I'm so grateful
Domydoor 1 year ago 7
Seems a better pianist than Helfgott to me, buckachiddy ... but I'm not sure he'd ever be able to record with other musicians - he is too idiosyncratic ... and, by his own admission, he isn't a Gilels or a Gould.
keithscribe 1 year ago
Very inspiring interview and I'm at awe by your amazing talent, but you already know that :)
joshbarty 1 year ago
@joshbarty thats "in" awe word noob
jaekn 1 year ago
Thank you James for getting another generation hooked on the classics - you're getting people charged about Bach, Beethoven and many others!
ItIsSunny1 1 year ago
Hmm, I worry we have the 21st century Helfgott in the making here. Don't record Rach 3 mate, please
buckachiddy 1 year ago 9
IVE SAW THE SKY AD ABOUT 100 TIMES. ARGHGHGHGHGHGHH
volound 1 year ago
@TheSideangle - big gap between jazz and classical!
aburford2 1 year ago
A fantastically talented man! I cannot wait to get his new CD!
BassClar 1 year ago
Way to go Rhodes. Classical is the new rock and roll, which was the new blues, which was the new gospel, which was the new jazz, which was the new classical. Full circle.
TheSideangle 1 year ago
@TheSideangle That is the most skewed view of musical history I have ever heard.
FinishTheNewLine 1 year ago
what was the song he was playing in the background in the second half, i know i've heard it before but i just can't think of where!!!
tsing520 1 year ago
@tsing520 In the Hall of the Mountain King - Grieg
piedpiperpianos 1 year ago
@tsing520
its in the hall of the mountain king,
drossj86 1 year ago
@tsing520
its in the hall of the mountain king,
drossj86 1 year ago
i have a new idol
michaelkirksmith 1 year ago
This guy is just amazing. Saw him live last night and was completely blown away - like the rest of the audience. The applause was so loud he came on and did three encores - could have done thirty.
Enough said.
catatonic55 1 year ago
can u imagine him on the trading desk with those fingers flying!!!
RoathRipper 1 year ago
wow he goes crazy on that piano! but he is damn good at. Amazing.
jensenacklesfanhotty 1 year ago
I dont really know this guy but he looks little like a druggy but he is a good musician
abrak002 1 year ago
Hmm I just can't make my mind up. I think he plays well but I worry that this will encroach on the classical world. Essentially he's a good pianist but I fear the pop world might latch itself on to him and drag classical music down with it. I like the way he admits essentially that he is not a pianist of that kind though, I do really appreciate that. The question I want to ask is whether he is bringing classical music or is he bringing himself?
curzmg 1 year ago
I mean why can't Gould or Richter bring classical music to the people? They've always been there and people haven't shown a major interest in them. Are people now suddenly taking interest in classical music or are they just moving the destruction of rock 'n' roll elsewhere?
curzmg 1 year ago
You're still a bit geeky, James... Thank god for that :)
Greetings from the Netherlands,
Rolf
otterhouse 1 year ago
Inspiring story for all of us. That's what music is about! Thanks, James.
grayh12 1 year ago
Brilliant and inspiring! Wonderful to be so passionate about something and be so amazingly good at it. It comes through in your playing - superb.
catnip25 1 year ago
He's good-crazy... but fucking crazy nonetheless.
gweuk10 1 year ago
I can't get enough of this guy. An astounding pianist with a kick ass personality to boot. Without a doubt the most talented and original musician of the last 10 years.
awoollyhat 1 year ago
An inspirational story to be sure, but set that aside and you still have the excellent playing of some of the most beautiful piano music in the repetoire. Can't help admiring the hell out of this bloke or his talent, and he is also genuinely funny, sweet and approachable. It feels like you could have a good night in the pub with him, and then he'd blow you away with his playing. He deserves every success.
uberklunt 1 year ago
James Rhodes you are a very talented, inventive and fascinating musician !
What I love most about your work is that you make a true and real connection through music. Your imagination, your craft give form to the memories contained in the masterpieces you play and come alive in your notes... Brilliant ! :)
missannavera 1 year ago
Awesome stuff, v excited re: new album :)
elliek87 1 year ago
First heard Jimbo on iTunes last year. Tremendously talented, massively modest and only ever so slightly a bastard. Am completely jealous; I freely admit it.
JoeTaylorLand 1 year ago
Brilliant! What a star...
KingstonFilms 1 year ago
He sounds like he could be a member of a huge rock band... so cool that he replaced the guitar with his piano.
PhillippeFillop 1 year ago
Love how he goes mental at 5:33. Piano rockstar!
TheNativePaul 1 year ago 2
really like this...love the story behind this guy!
aburford2 1 year ago 2
James Rhodes. Legend.
TheSideangle 1 year ago 2