José André Trio

Review:

This is the eighty eighth in a series of special Jazz on the Tube reviews of live stream performances.

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José André was born blind 15 years ago but that has not stopped him from quickly developing into a top-notch jazz pianist.

Born in Cochabamba, Bolivia, he began playing music when he was three (he is self-taught on piano), at the age of six was performing concerts, and has since played in many countries and major concert halls including at the Kennedy Center.

The 15-year old pianist is featured on a LiveStream from July 13, 2020, playing over prerecorded bass and drums, stretching out on swinging originals and “Invitation,” “I Remember April” and “Joy Spring.”

Although his brief talking between songs is sometimes electronically distorted (skip that part), the piano playing of José André should certainly be experienced even this early in what should be a long and significant career.

– Scott Yanow