Today we took a journey back in time with Wayne Johnson, directly to a rich part of American history and especially it’s musical history, the Roaring 20’s and continuing into the difficult 30’s. Through the eyes of music we were transported back to this very unique time, where our American music was being influenced by none other than the genius of George Gershwin, and some of his important contemporaries.

It seems to be a crowd favorite at Northwest Pianos when the musician includes talks about the music, the history, the stories. The musical experience becomes even more intimate, and we are left only wanting to hear more - more music and the delicious tales that describe the life that went into the creation of the music of the era.

In addition to being a wonderful story teller, replete with fascinating slides, history, and endless interesting details, Wayne is an outstanding pianist, performing music that combines complex technique with rockin’ rhythms of stride and jazz. His skill was relaxed, so one was taken beyond the performance and into the music, easily forgetting the difficulty of the music which Gershwin himself composed, as well as Lightning Fingers Billy Mayerl, Lothar Perl, Ernesto Nazareth, and others. This was truly an exceptional evening, leaving around 50 people only ready for more, and looking forward to a future evening by Wayne.

by - The NWP Concert Reviewer