The Man Who Eats the Piano

Happy Birthday to Mike Garson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE GARSON “Mike doesn’t just play the piano. He eats it.”—Chick Corea. Back in 1973, minds were blown when Mike’s piano solo ripped through the title track of David Bowie’s iconic album, ALADDIN SANE.

Mike’s “passionate pyrotechnics” captured attention as much as any “guitar god miracle,” yet “with a mastery of theory that perked ears and lowered turned-up noses of many a classical purist.”  For over four decades since, he has continued to support Bowie--one of rock music’s most original auteurs, appearing on some of Bowie’s best-known albums: DIAMOND DOGS, YOUNG AMERICANS (with John Lennon) OUTSIDE (with Brian Eno), and EARTHLING…check out “Dead Man Walking”

Bowie said of Mike: “He is exceptional…there are very, very few musicians, let alone pianists, who naturally understand the movement and free thinking necessary to hurl themselves into experimental or traditional areas of music, sometimes, ironically, at the same time. Mike does this with such enthusiasm that it makes my heart glad just to be in the same room with him.”

As a composer, Garson has written over 4300 pieces of music, with over half as classical works, and his music has been used in major films (SEVEN, STIGMATA, etc.). He is also considered to be a leading interpreter of George Gershwin and György Ligeti. By age 13, Garson was studying at the Julliard School of Music and later studied under keyboard legends Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock. Currently he directs the Celebrate Bowie tours, does solo concerts, and continues to collaborate with artists.

I’m very grateful for the times I’ve been able to work with Mike—always enlightening, educational, and edifying. When I had a radio show on NPR he was my guest, and we filled the hour with as much of Mike resume as possible. Listen here:

Also check out a video I made (w/musical support from Eric Biondo + art by Nathan Wagoner) for my song “Night Garden” featuring Mike on lead piano.

Meanwhile, HB MG for your years of loving the piano and producing hours of joy from it

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