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Dan Knight
Composer, pianist, educator and Steinway Artist Dan Knight has built a worldwide reputation as, according to Claude Nobs, Artistic Director of the Montreux Jazz Festival, "one of the finest solo pianists in the world."
His early studies were in the classical tradition. He began piano lessons in 1958, just before his fifth birthday. His teacher was Tillie Maither, a former student of Paderewski. She discovered his interest in jazz after he heard Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" for the first time, when he ran to her house to ask if it was possible to have five counts in a measure. As she lectured him regarding the evils of jazz, he determined to learn to play it on his own.
And learn to play it he did.
A protégé of jazz legend Dr. Billy Taylor, who himself was a protégé of Art Tatum, Knight's personal worldwide "firsts" include an unprecedented three consecutive performances (1997, 1998 and 1999) at the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival.
No less than saxophone legend Sonny Rollins has said of him simply, "Man, you're great."
His musical "heritage" informs his teaching in a fusion of the best of both the classical and the jazz worlds, combining the passion and the technique of Paderewski with the improvisational virtuosity of Art Tatum.
As a composer, pianist, and improviser, Knight continues to extend the boundaries of style and composition in his performances of classical music, jazz, and free improvisation.
Awards
His composition for spoken word and solo piano, "The Walt Whitman Suite," was nominated for the 2008 PULITZER PRIZE in MUSIC.
Tags
"Man, you're great." Sonny Rollins
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson