Piano Solo MATHIAS CLAUS Ja...

Solo Piano Festival Live CD out now:
Best of International Jazz Solo Piano Festival
February: Rank 133 of the jazz radio play charts USA
Solo Piano, 3 pianists:
Mathias Claus (Germany), Bob Albanese (New York), Ayako Shirasaki (Japan)
Liner Notes, Howard Mandel, Downbeat New York:
"Mathias Claus, Bob Albanese and Ayako Shirasaki are devoted, virtuosic, daring and expressive pianists". ".institutes a high standard for Solo Jazz Piano Festivals to come"



Buy album: Best of International Solo Jazz Piano Festival 2009 at
www.mathiasclaus.com



Press Review - Scott Yanow, USA - CD REVIEWS FOR THE LOS ANGELES JAZZ SCENE



Mathias Claus from Germany, American Bob Albanese and Ayako Shirasaki from Japan combined together to perform solo piano sets during three concerts in Germany. While none are household names, all are brilliant pianists who have no difficulty playing without bass or drums. Each are modern soloists who fit into the modern mainstream, being aware of the past without copying any of their historic predecessors.
This live CD has three selections apiece from each of the pianists. Mathias Claus performs inventive versions of his "Hymn For The Old Souls," "Old Folks" and "Softly As In A Morning Sunrise," expertly exploring a variety of moods in a well-constructed mini set full of lyricism, thoughtful moments and impressive technique.
Bob Albanese plays a light swinging stride on a delightful version of "Manhattan," digs into Bill Evans' "Time Remembered" and displays fire on "Morning Nocturne."
Good as those two pianists are, Ayako Shirasaki takes honors. On a playful rendition of Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma," she displays her classical training. She sounds joyful on a waltz version of "Someday My Prince Will Come" and starts "Lennie's Pennies" with two happy choruses of "Pennies From Heaven" before evolving into the darker Lennie Tristano line.
There is lots to enjoy throughout this superior release . All three pianists deserve to be well known in the jazz world and hopefully there will be many more releases in this series as rewarding as this one.



Live Video:
Taken from my brand new live show with renowned percussionist PiTTi Hecht. Bookings available now.



Academic education:
Attended courses at the famous BERKLEE College in Boston/USA. Studies with Ray Santisi. Jazz piano diploma at the music university of Hamburg / Germany with Prof. Dr. Dieter Glawischnig (Jazz) and Shigeko Takeya (classical).



Solo Piano: Piano was not invented to sound like a wooden box
I concentrated on solo piano with the years. My aims are to play the full groove of a jazz band just by two hands and 88 keys. I also try to get a personal and unique sensitive touch and sound combined with some spiritual expression. I play contemporary jazz solo piano recitals in concerts and festivals. I also enjoy playing traditional jazz and swing within lounge piano events. Recently I expanded my activities as a piano sideman for various singers on the international floor, please read below.



Vocal Miracles - Vocal / Piano Duo projects:
As a quite emotional piano player I always had a strong relation to vocals, singing and lyrics. I try to play the piano like a voice as I tend to feel these vibes. The voice is the sister of heart and soul. I worked as a pianist sideman for many vocalists.
Sometimes I am asked for piano backing for singers concerts - if my time, job and family allows I do so. I also regularly invite singers for concerts within my Vocal Miracles projects.
And yes, I definetly love blue hours, real musical communication and just supporting inner beauty with sensitive piano colors. If needed feel free to contact me through my website.



Band projects:
Review by Joan Lynch, Texas, USA (Perfect Caravan)
Mathias Claus has developed his own computer based online studio and focused on collaboration recordings with musicians of the cyber jazzscene worldwide, soon becoming one of it's acknowledged leaders that gained attention overseas. With several CDs released, Mathias contributes as global guest player on numerous artists' CDs worldwide and organised common europe concerts with artists from USA. His recent aims are focusing on the art of jazzpiano solo. Read Mathias Claus interview on allaboutjazz.com
Please enjoy my London quartett collaboration with some of the best british players, Nigel Hitchcock on sax, Laurence Cottle on bass , and Chris Dagley on drums.



Please check my main website for detailed information, videos and CDs: www.mathiasclaus.com
Sincerly Mathias



Friends section:
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