Mike Garson

About Mike Garson

From piano keyboards to computer keyboards, Mike Garson is a man of many talents and limitless inspiration. No artistic medium is off-limits to this avant-garde individual to whom the word "no" is quickly - and seemingly effortlessly - transformed into the word "now."Best known for his impressive skills as a pianist, he is a respected composer and a budding computer artist. Embracing the idea of the "Renaissance Man," Mike continually experiments with new ways through which he can communicate his humanistic ideals.Mike's story begins at the age of seven, when he began to study the classics. He was drawn magnetically to the piano and by his fourteenth birthday Mike was modifying complex Chopin and Mozart compositions to suit his ear for embellishment.By his late teens, Mike discovered jazz and the allure of improvisation a pivotal moment in his artistic development. Mike is now consideredone of the greatest musical improvisers of his era.In fact, his exceptional improvisational abilities were a highlight of the January 2004 Keyboard Magazine cover story.His love of improvisation is most evident in the signature style of musical composition he has developed under the NOW! MUSIC® brand. Unveiled in 1995, this innovative approach to contemporary composing transfers his knowledge of improvisation into the classical realm. Using a Yamaha Disklavier piano, Mike composes sonatas, nocturnes, ballades and concertos in real-time. The result is refreshing, inspirational and always original music.His inaugural NOW! MUSIC® album, released in 1998, was followed by the 2004 release of "Homage to My Heroes," another independent album recorded in a similar style. He has also recorded twelve traditional solo albums including "Admiration," "Avant Garson," "Gershwin Fantasia," "Jazzical," "Mystery Man," "The Oxnard Sessions, Volumes I and II," "Serendipity" and "Remember Love."Beyond his NOW! MUSIC® pieces, Mike has many years of traditional composing to his credit. Over the course of his career, he has written several thousand pieces of music in a variety of genres. While many artists prefer to remain within one genre, he remains open to artistic expression in any format.It stands to reason that when he sits down at a keyboard, the result is usually a passionate musical performance. However, while touring with the Smashing Pumpkins in late 2000, he discovered another creative outlet: the computer keyboard. Using various programs on his MAC laptop, Garson has designed imaginative imagery in much the same way that he composes his NOW! MUSIC®. On April 12, 2004, Portland's Brian Marki Fine Art Gallery hosted a premiere reception of his avant-garde artwork.Titled "From Pianos to Pixels: The Improvisational Art of Mike Garson," the event showcased Garson's improvisational musical ability and engaging visual artistry - challenging him to compose music for pieces of art chosen by the audience.Of course, Mike remains committed to his first career: music. In 2002, he completed his first symphony entitled "Symphony 5.1." He structured this piece based on the form of Beethoven's 5th Symphony out of infinite admiration for the renowned composer. Two years earlier, in 2000, Mike also finished his first piano concerto.A philosopher at heart, his music reflects the often arduous world in which he lives while communicating hope for an improved existence. In response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, he composed a moving piece entitled "Prayer for New York." ...

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