John Donegan (piano).
The 2020 Langtoun Jazz Festival was due to begin today with a solo piano set by John Donegan in Kirkaldy Kirk Hall. Needless to say that didn't happen - at least not in the Kirkaldy Kirk Hall. Instead, the event took place in John's home where a magnificent baby/boudoir grand piano was the centrepiece.
I was unfamiliar with his work but, from the opening bars of Come Rain or Come Shine, I realised that I was in for something special and I hung around even though it mean't missing the SSBB's final livestream. No doubt Russell will review it in such glowing terms I will be kicking myself. Well that will make two of us as he too will be self-inflicting with the shoes knowing he's missed this!
The only other standard, I think, was Darn That Dream and it was as good an instrumental version of the Jimmy Van Heusen tune as I've heard for many a year. Why haven't I heard more of John Donegan?
Indeed, why didn't I hear more of John Donegan tonight? The piano came across loud and clear but, alas, as is often the case with so many of the livestreams, the spoken word is never spoken loud enough.
So, because of this, I'm unable to put titles to the other tunes which I think were all originals. At least two of them seemed to have a jazz/Irish theme which had me captivated and I'd love to have known the titles. One, I gather, he wrote for his sextet - an avenue I must pursue. No doubt they are on his latest album - A Kite For Kate - chances are it will turn up in the mail one day!
The 40 minutes flew past in 40 minutes which, unlike some other media platforms, is par for the course with YouTube.
A grand start!
Lance
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