Classic Jazz: play the original song, improvise on the melody, harmony, and form, tell a story, and make it swing one way or another.

9 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Bebop, JAZZ: Traditional Jazz Combo



Details:
âI Used To Be Anonymousâ

Steve Elmer, Piano/Composer, Hide Tanaka, Bass, Shingo Okudaira, Drums

anonâ¢yâ¢mous

1 : not named or identified
2 : of unknown authorship or origin
3 : lacking individuality, distinction, or recognizability

Steve Elmer, Piano/Composer

The title for this CD came about as follows. A well-known jazz piano player liked the way I played but couldnât understand why nobody knew who I was. He shared this thought with a mutual friend and said to her: âSteve Elmer is the most anonymous piano player in New York.â Well, I used to be anonymous.

I started off as a drummer. I also taught music. That was a long time ago. Then I did many other things that had nothing to do with music. Now I devote as much time as I can to playing the piano, composing, and making music that satisfies my soul.

Hide Tanaka, Bass

Iâve been playing with Hide for many years. We have played all kinds of gigs together: duo, trio, quartet, sextet, big band, and with many singers. He has a beautiful sound and his time feeling is as solid as bronze. Hide is always willing to play, whatever the circumstances. He never holds back. He shares whatever he has to give. I am fortunate to know him and to play with him. (Hide's name is pronounced "hee-day".)

Shingo Okudaira, Drums

I played with Shingo for the first time in 2005. After the first tune I knew he was a great drummer. He swings all the time, no matter what the tempo, including ballads. Sticks, brushes, mallets: it doesnât matter. His drums sound beautiful and his cymbals sing. His solos are imaginative and complex. Shingo is a complete musician. He proved this by playing a Wynton Kelly solo for me (yes, he played it on the piano) note for note the way Wynton played it, swinging just as hard and with as much enthusiasm. What a gift.

My Compositions

I like to write tunes dedicated to people who have inspired me or had an impact on my life. âPeter the Painterâ is written for Peter Salvatore, a guy who paints houses and apartments for a living. He does great work, is an honest person, and is someone who understands quality. âDance of the Drackotsâ is for Bud Powell and my wife, Olivia Stockard. A âDrackotsâ is a feisty mythical creature who is independent and determined to match the highest standards. âBlues For Bobby Tâ is for Bobby Timmons, the great piano player and composer. âWounded Heartâ is for anyone who has been hurt in life. âKeep Your Eye On the Ballâ is some kind of reminder to myself. âEasy Mr. Bâ is for the wonderful singer Billy Eckstein. âMonkâs Slow Dragâ is for you know who. âStepping Out With Wynton Kâ is for Mr. Kelly and âTyner Timeâ is for McCoy.

Classic Jazz

There are many definitions of âclassic.â But the ones that mean the most to me are:

a : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value b : traditional, enduring c : characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year

My idea of classic jazz is simple: play the original song, improvise on the melody, the harmony, and the form. Tell a story and make it swing one way or another.

Notes by Steve Elmer