haatem
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I've played at campus venues a few times, nothing special. One piece I wrote was "Beatnik Nick" which I played while Nick recited some beat poetry. Apparently it was a hit. We wore berets and sunglasses.
Your musical influences
It depends on what I'm playing. One of my jazz piano influences is Wynton Kelly. Red Garland is on the list too. I love listening to Bill Evans but I don't know if I understand him well enough to call him an influence. Ray Manzarek (The Doors) is a keyboardist I've listened to with great interest as well.
Ultimately, though, there is one man who has influenced me in the sense that any time I sit at a piano, before I've even decided what I'm going to do, I think of him. He was not famous; you wouldn't recognize his name, but he was a friend and teacher and a great inspiration. He took his own life in January 2006 and I still think of him whenever I play.
What equipment do you use?
Yamaha S90, imitation strat, Sonata semiacoustic, computer.
