Monday, June 10, 2013

Shamie Royston – “Portraits”

© -Steven Cerra, copyright protected; all rights reserved.


It’s always fun to “meet” one of the current crop of artists putting their own stamp on Jazz. 

Jazz doesn’t just “happen.” It has to be brought into existence and it takes considerable skills as a musician to do so.

The I-IV-V chord progression, with or without a turnaround, may have generated countless Rock ‘n Roll hits, but it doesn’t get you very far with playing Jazz.

Given the challenges that it imposes for entry, imagine our delight then when we encounter someone with genuine musical skills and talent who turns their attention to the World of Jazz.

Pianist-composer Shamie Royston was one such recent encounter and the editorial staff at JazzProfiles thought it might be fun to feature sound clips from her recent, self-produced Portraits CD and some background information from Chris DiGirolomo’s Two for the Show media release so that more blog readers might become familiar with Shamie and her music.

Shamie has her own website on which you can locate more information about her, order information for the Portraits CD and a listing of itinerary appearances including her upcoming appearance on June 28, 2013 at the Montreal Jazz Festival.



Pianist/Composer Shamie Royston releases recording "Portraits"

(Featuring Rudy Royston on drums/ Ivan Taylor on bass/ with special guest Camille Thurman, vocals)

“The Shamie Royston Trio debut recording, explores original compositions that are captured in a contemporary jazz style with many memorable melodies. The trio features Ivan Taylor on bass and Rudy Royston on drums. This recording was to be released in 2012, but due to touring etc. was held till now. Shamie Royston is the real deal! Listen to "Portraits" to preview one of the most exciting jazz pianists on the scene today.”

About Shamie:

Born in Denver, Colorado, Shamie Royston, pianist, composer and educator is a unique musician in her own way. She received her Master's Degree in Music Composition where she won top honors. Most of her acclaim has been noted in her musical compositions as well as her exquisite ability to teach young musicians ranging from elementary school to the college level.

Ms. Royston has been known to be one of the top educators in her field at previous educational institutions, and has been honored with awards for her teaching skills. She has given clinics and adjudicated high school and college jazz festivals and has been a clinician for top ensembles.  But now Shamie Royston is an up and coming pianist in the New York City jazz scene.

Shamie has an exquisite way of playing the piano, and many jazz listeners appreciate her compositions.  She has written compositions for trumpeter, Sean Jones, the all women's group, Sage, and saxophonist, Tia Fuller. Shamie was commissioned by the Penfield School District in New York to arrange an orchestra and big band piece of her original compositions.

Since moving to New Jersey, she has been a steady member of the Tia Fuller Quartet, and has played with many other great artists such as Christian McBride, Lonnie Plaxico, Ron Miles, Ralph Peterson, John Pattuci, Terri Lyne Carrington, Sean Jones and many others. She has also recorded with the Tia Fuller Quartet, and many others.   She has toured Europe and the United States with her fiery, yet soulful piano playing and has played at many of the top jazz venues and festivals in the
world.

Shamie's debut CD entitled "Portraits" was released in March 2013, where her compositions and performance are to the highest degree. ‘She continues to be a leading force and a new voice in the jazz world.’”

Here’s Shamie playing solo piano on Horace Silver’s Summer in Central Park:


And with her trio on Ascension featuring Ivan Taylor on bass and Rudy Royston on drums.