Having recently posted my proposed Best in the Biz (pianists/keyboardists), it only seemed right to include a nomination from the household pets category. Our feline winner demonstrates her skills and repertoire in the below video.

With all that’s going on in the world these days, figured some levity might be welcomed!

This is strictly the opinion of one, but I get asked this question enough that I thought why not go on record? So who do I feel are the best keyboard/piano players in the biz today?  Notice my emphasis on today vs. even possibly considering “all time best“?   That would be way too difficult to tackle – even narrowing this to “modern day”, I have both a male and female nomination not because of gender or polar opposite hair style (at least in these videos), but because of genre.

My personal picks: Jordan Rudess and Hiromi.  Of course, there are plenty other equally worthy artists- these are merely my personal favs.

Jordan is arguably the reigning king of progressive/rock keyboards and occupies the post with fellow virtuosos in Dream Theater.  A less known factoid is that he’s classically trained, and perfected his craft at this little school in New York called Juilliard.  Believe me, he can switch to a Chopin Etude in a blink!

Hiromi Uehara, a rising star in international jazz circles, is simply beyond description. A graduate of Berklee School of Music (Boston MA), she’s also been mentored by the likes of Ahmad Jamal and Chick Corea. I’ve been very fortunate to meet both Jordan and Hiromi- they are both remarkable and refreshingly humble individuals, but the best part?  I asked them each to name some of their favorites: in so doing, each credited one another!  So if I’m wrong, at least I’m in good company!

Lots of material on YouTube on each, these are the ones I picked…

So here I am in London having a much needed Sunday “lie in”, and happened upon this awesome live performance of Carry on Wayward Son by a very talented (then) 10-yr old Japanese girl!   Sure, I’m proud of the fact that my culture continues to develop so many musical prodigies, but typically they’re discouraged from veering away from classical – especially at this age.  Obviously, this girl’s parents are (as mentioned in the opening of the video, albeit in Japanese) are tad bit more “progressive” -  and chances are, she can roll right into Mozart!  Prepare to be impressed!

Fast-forward to today, one year later, brilliantly performing YYZ.  The musicians amongst you know that this is no cake walk to play – let alone solo!

I’m very curious about the rig – a Yamaha Electone – apparently very popular in Japan -  I might have to get me one of these!