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Jake clayton piano prodigy5/15/2023 ![]() ![]() In this music, the clarinets play the lead. The instrumentation is similar to that of a typical New Orleans jazz band, except there is no trumpet. The Martinique bands are (or were) comprised of: one or two clarinets a trombone maybe an alto sax and a rhythm section of piano, guitar, bass and drums. It’s genuinely happy music, meant for good-natured (and sexy) dancing, like you would hear in the French West Indies several decades ago.Ĭasual listeners always notice the music’s superficial resemblance to early New Orleans jazz. The joyous opening track began to play, and Eugene Delouche, one of two exceptional clarinetists associated with the music, began to make me smile (as he has each of the hundreds of times I’ve played this record). I put the record on the turntable and lowered the arm. I received it long ago as a gift from the late Bill Campbell, who was probably my most significant teacher about music, philosophy, and life. It dates from the mid-1950s, and is entitled Dance Music of Martinique. I pulled out a rather beat-up 10-inch LP on the Dial label. I fixed some coffee, and padded over to the LP shelves. Maybe a TV show’s theme song or a commercial jingle now and then. Occasionally, Ravel, or maybe Edith Piaf, or Bechet or Billie, or Duke or Pres or Leadbelly or Bix. Some days, I hear Louis Armstrong as I wake up. Music as it was played on the island of Martinique, many years ago. Its rhythm was tropical, and its melodies were French, but reminiscent of early New Orleans jazz. This music was in my head, a musical “leftover” from a dream I’d had. It wasn’t my son Andrew spinning some of Dad’s sides, either. It wasn’t from the neighbor’s all-rock radio station. “He has something uplifting to share with an audience, and his talent should be seen - it can make people happy.”įor now, Lucas is happy about one thing: COVID-19 brought an end to the annoyance of Kindergarten.Īnd fair enough.One morning not long ago, I’d awakened to the sound of music. “He took my mind off my sadness and it helped a lot with the mourning,” said Liu. ![]() Lucas grew out of the crying spells to become a cheerful, affectionate toddler, said Liu. “He would be so thrilled to have a grandson like him,” said Liu. Liu thinks her father, who was a talented amateur singer, would be proud of little Lucas. So if Lucas decides they need to make an adorable video of him singing and playing piano to share with the world, well, that’s what they do. He prefers random challenges like learning PI,” said Liu. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. To cheer people up, Liu said Lucas spontaneously decided to learn to play Moon River, and post the video on YouTube. Now his mother hopes his bubbly personality - and his music - will bring a bit of happiness to others who may be struggling with isolation and inactivity during the pandemic. Lucas received the invitation to perform at the prestigious New York theatre after landing first place in an audition performance for the Crescendo International Youth Music Competition. ![]() He doesn’t wear his Super Mario costume when he’s onstage playing Chopin, but the young virtuoso did have his favourite Mario stuffy backstage with him before he stepped out to play Variations on a Russian Folksong by Isaak Berkovich at Carnegie Hall in January. I like the audience,” said the Pitt Meadows youngster, who has been playing piano for just over a year, has perfect pitch and is already playing well above his age level. The next issue of Sunrise presented by Vancouver Sun will soon be in your inbox. ![]() If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. Manage Print Subscription / Tax ReceiptĪ welcome email is on its way.Vancouver Sun Run: Sign up & event info. ![]()
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