Dave McKenna at the Nice Jazz Festival 1979

Sadly, Dave McKenna died this month(October 08). However, this master jazz pianist left us a recorded legacy that will live on. Here he plays 'A Beautiful Friendship' from a performance at the Nice Jazz Festival in 1979.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jazz
• Piano

[rmac1042]

Love Mckenna (even tho I'm a Bill Evans-type pianist). I wish as many people knew of Johnny Guarnieri--he was another monster; he died in 1981, I believe.

[slapmyfunkybass]

@piano1174 it's not all about speed.... sometimes a ballad says far more than a fast player ever could

[ErictheJazzer]

Two fisted jazz pianists have two brains....but the immortal DaveMcKenna must have had at least three ! Rest in peace Dave. Thanks for your years of such wonderful swinging entertainment.

[piano1174]

Well whatever the case, it's nice to know that there are other people out there who love these giants as much as I do :) cheers to you

[MrBebopxx]

@piano1174

Yes, of course Art Tatum by all means was one of the greatest true piano players ever.. but I wasn't referring to a "fast" left hand. Was referring to complete hand independance & he had that down to a science, probably better than any jazz piano player I've ever heard.

[piano1174]

@MrWizzardozz I agree that Dave McKenna is one of the greatest ever. But it goes way beyond technique and independence. It's about groove and musicality for me. If you want to hear a pianist with not only as fast but a much faster LH then listen to Art Tatum's Pablo Masterpieces.

[MrWizzardozz]

One of the most amazing jazz piano players of all time

I've never in my entire life, heard a jazz p player even close to having the left hand that Dave had ( the ability, strength, stamina in his left hand alone as well as independence from his right hand) Simply amazing!!

I watch him here & he plays so effortlessly... so much to the point that he's on auto-pilot mode.

"There Will Never Be Another You" DAVE

[BeBopElmo]

Dave McKenna was a working piano player. A lot of what he did grew out of doing what was needed to cope with the harsh realities of the gig. The fact that it turned out so good is even more remarkable. He was "discovered" too late in his life. He always played like he meant it. Thank you, Dave. You gave us a "Beautiful Friendship."

[PabloVestory]

Thanks

[23181850]

I saw Dave a number of years ago in Glasgow. What an incredible talent and such a nice person. Very sad to hear that he has gone