Charismatic Canadian jazz and boogie-woogie pianist Michael Kaeshammer will be returning to the ACT for a night of energy that knows no bounds.
He has been called Canada’s triple threat because of his piano virtuosity, vocal ability and charisma.
Kaeshammer is a native of Offenburg, Germany, where he studied classical piano as a child. When he was 13 years old, he discovered boogie-woogie and the stride piano.
Boogie-woogie is a style of jazz that was popular during the 1930s and 1940s.
“When people used to dance to jazz,” the artist explained.
“It was party music at the time. It is basically New Orleans jazz. It has rhythm,” he continued.
The stride piano is also from that same era.
“It’s a piano technique where you jump with your left hand from the bass notes to a chord and you jump back and forth really quick,” explained Kaeshammer, adding that when you watch somebody play it, their hands are a blur.
Growing up Kaeshammer’s father would play this music around the house, either on a record player or on the piano himself.
Kaeshammer fell in love with the rhythm immediately.
“I listen to a lot of different music. Even in classical music or techno or whatever, the rhythm, subconsciously that’s what human beings relate to,” Kaeshammer said.
In 1995, he moved to Victoria, where he currently based out of.
This time when Kaeshammer performs at the ACT he will be bringing a six-piece band with him, including three horns, bass drums and of course the piano.
His favourite part of the concert is playing solo or improvising with the band.
“That doesn’t mean noodling around. Still playing a song, but the freedom it gives you when you play solo is just a whole different thing,” said Kaeshammer, adding that he just kind of feels out the moment.
His aim is to get people out of their shells for the concert.
“I always encourage people to move around. They can come up on the stage and hang out if they want. I am so easy going,” he said.
Kaeshammer and his band have already performed a couple of shows in eastern Canada, including Massey Hall in Toronto. The stop in Maple Ridge will be a continuation of the tour.
“We’re ready to go. The band sounds great and we are going to have a great time,” he said.
Showtime
Michael Kaeshammer performs at 7:30 p.m. on April 23 at the ACT Arts Centre in Maple Ridge, 11944 Haney Place. Adults are $40, seniors $36 and youth $15.
For tickets, call 604-476-2787 or to to theactmapleridge.org
