Playground Forums

Hello Fellow Pianists!!

I'd thought I'd start a discussion thread this week instead of my personal practice tips I've been passing along lately. I'd like to know who's the person you view as your favorite piano player? Someone who you maybe look up to as a pseudo-mentor (dont know personally, but attempting to learn about through their music only). Perhaps, there's more than one person you admire. We may share the same people, so dont refrain from letting the community know just because someone posted before you. Let the forum get to know you a little bit by sharing your Heros. I'll start this thread by revealing my Heros.

These people were in my life as soon as I was practically born, then more Heros came along as I grew. My initial Heros early in life were Billy Joel, Cat Stevens, and Elton John. Why? Well, my parents would play their record albums over and over and over. They were later in life joined by Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie. I have many more people, but they could be classified as "influencers" - not quite Hero status as these other Pianists stated.

Your turn! Who or whom are your Heros? Thank you in advance should you decide to post. Good Luck and enjoy your journey!

Hiromi Uehara!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rxYw7Y45Eo

I will never forget the day that I stumbled upon this album. This was the first song of hers I heard.

Andy

I think I had my mouth gaped wide open that entire video! (Blue Note Tokyo - never knew there was such a place) I think I'm in love and going to spend alot of time binge watching her!! Thank you Andrew for the truly superb link!

I have several:

Louis Landon - https://www.louislandon.com/
David Lanz - https://davidlanz.com/
Viktoriya Yermolyeva - https://vkgoeswild.com/
David Sides - https://www.davidsides.com/
Phil Anderson - http://www.philipandersonmusic.com/

The list is probably dozens and dozens of people longer, but this is the top 5. David Sides and Phil Anderson because they are actual teachers and mentors as part of Playground Sessions, and amazing pianists in their own right.

Thank you again sw1tch73ch for your wonderful post!

This is one of the reasons why I wanted to start this thread - to be exposed to masterful pianists (and their bands) that need to be recognized. The more "Piano Heros" we all can look up to, the better we all can become.

I have to go with Peter Bence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SywaUbg5wU

Ludovico Einaudi

In between everything else going on in my life, I've been non-stop binge watching/listening to all of these Masters mentioned. I know there has to be more! Please keep posting! Thank you again to everyone who has posted and will post in the future.

My piano hero is a little different than most.... It is the late Keith Emerson. Listen to some of his piano solos of classical pieces he inspired me to try and learn the keyboard.

I will go with my all time favorite: Sergei Rachmaninof... I have studied all of his concertos throughout the years and all of them have a special place for me. He shaped my style and taste in music. My mother is keeping a colection of records by him at her real estate in Cannes and whenever I pay a visit to her finding myself listening to these records all day long.