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Ray Jozwiak

I have been playing music in some form or fashion ever since I could talk (maybe earlier), and remember rather well when the Beatles became popular in America. My first records being 45 and 78rpm wonders that would probably be worth a fortune now, were until then cartoon theme songs, childrens novelty tunes or inexpensive cutouts that my mother found during shopping sprees. But then the Beatles (of whom my Polish great uncle and myself were equally knowledgeable-meaning NOT MUCH) took the country by storm. When my mother bought me the SHE LOVES YOU and I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND singles, THAT was really my first serious step into music. But the strange marriage of the Beatles (and other circa 1964 top-forty) and cartoon themes, childrens novelty songs and cutouts ALL stuck with me. And my approach to and absorption of music has been that way ever since. Conventional music lessons began as a result of a telephone solicitation received at our home from a young entrepreneur who was opening an "Accordion Studio" in the neighborhood. Being of good, solid Polish stock, the accordion seemed to be a good match for me. But not only did I thoroughly enjoy playing polkas, obereks and waltzes, I also learned some international folk music and some classics (the early stages of World Music, you see) and learned to play many of the current pop tunes by ear. This was to be my modus operandi for the next 40 years.

After many youthful years of playing in 'bands' (or some gathering of schoolhood chums beating on lunch boxes or blowing grimy kazoos) I joined a 'combo' during high school to provide a 'Mix' (Yes, we originated that TOO!) of music for wedding receptions, social club dances and American Legion affairs. Invaluable experience it was also; if not musically, at least in social pheonomena. After 5 glorious years, I quit the band and quietly settled down, purchasing a piano shortly afterward and beginning the current stage of my musical development. I was writing 'Pop' songs (music and lyrics) and marketing them to performers for my first, boss, hit-bound single.

Meantime, my sons suggested I play my original compositions on solo piano, like I did everyday in the living room, and market THAT. So that's exactly what I began doing. And in order to have a 'product' in hand to get gigs and to reach those who weren't local, I produced my debut CD entitled CHROMATOSE, and later (2005) CRITIC'S CHOICE.

Awards

"Baltimore Magazine Best Lounge Pianist 2005", Baltimore Magazine


Tags

"Jozwiak is a fine improvisationalist who can stray from the main path without losing sight of it. . . ", Joe Hartlaub, Music-Reviewer.com

". . . an offbeat, idiosyncratic style. . . ", John Lewis, Baltimore Magazine

". . . he expands every theme with a vengeance creating a very ambitious and provocative music.", Mikolaj Furmankiewicz, Department of Virtuosity

"Baltimore Magazine Best Lounge Pianist 2005", Baltimore Magazine

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

FOR THE RIDE

Bosky Dell & Sylvan Glade
2008

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Videos

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