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Willie Pickens
Upon graduating from school, he moved to Chicago and began his career on a national hitrecord -- Eddie Harris' 1961 Exodus. After that big hit, Willie’s live appearances were almost all limited to the midwest for the next two decades, while his career as an educator flourished. From 1966 to 1986, he appeared on recordings headlined by Bunky Green, E. Parker McDougal, Vernel Fournier, He also performed with Sammy Davis Jr., at Orchestra Hall, and with Quincy Jones, Roberta Flack, and Minnie Ripperton at the Mill Run Theatre
In 1990, Willie was invited to join the mighty Elvin Jones Jazz Machine. His first appearance with this legendary band took place later that year at the Bottom Line in New York and also featured Wynton Marsalis. Willie’s commitment to the Jazz Machine over the next several years meant retirement from full-time teaching in the public schools, but enabled him to serve as a linchpin for the group, appearing in Japan, Europe, and Canada, as well as in many U.S. cities.
At 77, Willie continues to be one of Chicago’s most in-demand pianists for visiting artists.He has performed several times at the famed Chicago Jazz Festival, to rave reviews, and hasbeen the featured pianist on impresario Joe Segal’s Jazz Cruises, where he has shared the stage with Clark Terry, Louie Bellson, and Red Holloway, among others. He has also performed with fellow pianist Marian McPartland, both in concert and on her well-loved NPR show, Piano Jazz. 2001 saw the release of their album of duets Ain’t Misbehavin’ on the Concord label. His performance is straight-ahead, and utterly stable -- with dense chords, percussive attack, and flying solos -- echoing the artistry of McCoy Tyner. Lately, he's matured as both a soloist and bandleader, letting the space between the notes speak. While he's not as showy as many of the younger folks, he always puts on a great show.
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JazzSpirit Volume 1 and Volume 2
by Jerry D'Souza
The Lord blesses many. Among them is Willie Pickens, now a spry 75, who brings vitality and spirit to this collection of sacred hymns.
Pickens, a deacon at the Hyde Park Union Church on Chicago's South Side, has been musically active with a Christmas show that turned into an annual event in 1995. In 2004 Lilly Endowment offered to sponsor a series of sacred concerts. So came about another series of free concerts which in turn begot these ...
read moreWillie Pickens: JazzSpirit, Volumes 1 & 2
by Mark Corroto
My neighbor, one of those born again" types, told me that Jesus hates jazz. I asked her which Jesus she was referring to. When I received no response, I suggested to her it might be the neo-con Jesus who, quite frankly, can't dance.
After a bit of research, I've found there are multiple Jesuses to be found in the world. The American Jesus makes it possible for a CEO to drive his SUV through the proverbial eye of ...
read moreWillie Pickens: Jazz Spirit, Volume 1 & 2
by Jim Santella
Veteran Chicago pianist Willie Pickens began his professional career with Eddie Harris when they recorded Exodus to Jazz and etched a message for several generations to remember with smiles all around. Since then, he's worked with Clark Terry, Elvin Jones, Louie Bellson, and has issued several albums of his own. Pickens has a conservative piano style that also includes powerful flourishes and complex harmonies for emphasis.
Recorded last year, both volumes of Jazz Spirit grew out of a series of ...
read moreJazz This Week: Bill Charlap and Houston Person, Alarm Will Sound, Peter Martin, so Percussion, Willie Pickens, and More
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St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
This week's menu of jazz and creative music around St. Louis includes performances by three top pianists representing NYC, Chicago and St. Louis, plus local stops for two acclaimed touring new music ensembles, and much more. Let's go to the highlights... Tonight, pianist Bill Charlap (pictured) and guest tenor saxophonist Houston Person open an four-night engagement continuing through Saturday at Jazz at the Bistro. Both men have played at the Bistro separately before, but this will be their first time ...
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Help Celebrate Pianist Willie Pickens' 80th Birthday at the Hyde Park Union Church on April 15
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Solitaire Miles
Can you believe it? Willie Pickens is 80 and he is still playing like crazy! Nobody believes it, but it's true... Willie is turning 80 this month and Chicago has some very special events planned for him. Willie has been a working pianist on the scene in Chicago and around the world for the past 60 years. He has worked with great band leaders including Elvin Jones, Eddie Harris, Bunkie Green, Quincy Jones, Clark Terry, Louis Bellson and Red Holoway ...
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"Pickens' most exuberant solos all but take flight from the keyboard's runway." Neil Tesser - Chicago Reader