Jazz Pianist Caramia to Perform

Noted jazz and ragtime pianist Tony Caramia will give a free recital and multimedia presentation on Sunday, October 27. The second of the School of Music's new "Improvisation and You" series, the performance will begin at 4:00 p.m. in the Hockett Family Recital Hall. Caramia will also hold an improvisation clinic for School of Music students on Monday, October 28.

Caramia's performance and accompanying presentation will be a celebration of the 100th birthday of composer-pianist Billy Mayerl, referred to by some critics as the "British George Gershwin." Mayerl got his start in the 1920s playing piano for silent movies. That led to a stint as pianist with Bert Ralton's band at London's Savoy Hotel. In the decade that followed, he played nightly for the BBC, piquing a national interest in ragtime, jazz, and syncopated piano. A prolific composer as well as an entertaining performer, Mayerl left a body of work that includes suites, songs, stage works, and a vast number of jazzy piano novelties with titles like "Beetle the Bottle" and "Loose Elbows."

In addition to his piano recital, Caramia's presentation will include original recordings of Mayerl playing his own work, period photographs, and a 1938 film clip of a Mayerl stage performance.

Caramia is professor of piano and director of pedagogy studies at the Eastman School of Music. He has been active as a classical pianist, presenting numerous solo and ensemble programs. As a jazz pianist he has performed with Marian McPartland, Clark Terry, and Terry Gibbs. Caramia has recorded Zebra Stripes, which highlights syncopated solo piano music; Nimble Fingered Gentleman, a selection of Mayerl compositions; Brass Knuckles, a recital of contemporary ragtime; and a solo jazz piano release called Tony Caramia, Live!

By focusing on music that is wholly or partially created during performance, the "Improvisation and You" series offers audiences the opportunity to appreciate the musical skills needed for extemporaneous presentations. Future guest artists will include bassoonist Paul Hanson, who will perform November 5.