Now 20, Jonathan has been playing for about 9 years now. After 2 years of informal training at Consumer Music in Vallejo, Jonathan decided to leave and start learning on his own. Largely self-taught, Jonathan likes to play countless standards from what are known as The American Songbook. Jonathan found interest in jazz piano about 3 years ago when he was fooling around with a Microsoft Encarta program and searched "piano". One short media clip of Art Tatum's interpretation of "Makin Whoopee" and "There Will Never Be Another You" birthed a new passion and interest. Many find Jonathan's playing nice and thoughtful. Many say his playing is like a jazz pianist trying to imitate a classical pianist, or, a classical pianist trying to imitate a jazz pianist =). Either way, his playing seems to contain a few complex jazz voicings familiar to the likes of Tatum, the adventurous playing of Monk, cool jazz chords of Bill Evans, the elegant and classy moments that seem to mirror that of Johnny Costa(the guy who did ALL the piano stylings in Mr. Roger's Neighborhood), and of course, Jonathan's own little ingredients.::::::::::::::::::::::::::MY INFLUENCES::::::::::::::::::::::::::Art Tatum- Dvorak's HumoresqueOscar Peterson- Sweet Georgia BrownElla Fitzgerald feat. Joe Pass- Once In A While ..Joe Pass- Ain't MisBehavin' ..Nat King Cole feat Oscar Peterson Trio- Sweet Lorraine ....
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