slowcloud

I recently spoke with Mike Garson, David Bowie's keyboardist since 1972. He has released his first Bowie-related solo album of piano music, and it's not your typical instrumental versions of an artist.

Anyone familiar with Garson's piano solos on Aladdin Sane and his powerful accompaniments on Diamond Dogs, knows he plays anything but straight piano. His new album, the Bowie Variations for Piano, offer his improvised interpretations of some famous Bowie tunes. It's not new Bowie music, but at least it offers you a chance to hear some Bowie classics in a unique way from one of his longtime sidemen.

I know there are Bowie fans here for early posts I've made on him, so I know there's some interest (it has a free mp3 of one cut and also Garson invites fans to drop him an email to place an order for a signed copy):

http://indieethos.wordpress.com/2011...hos-exclusive/

Numanoid

Hmmm...I'll probably pass.

Supermallet

I'll try it out. Why not? Mike Garson is an amazing pianist.

vili

I've been looking forward to this one. I have some of Garson's albums, and really love what he's done with Bowie over the years. The free song that they offer, Let's Dance, is an interesting one. I hope the rest of the album will be similarly adventurous.

Geofferson

Listened to the free song, interesting yeah. Not sure it's up my alley though...

Numanoid

OK, I actually listened to it now, and it's definitely recognizable...not sure what he was going on about in that quote. I'll probably "acquire" the album for the collection. Would make at least one interesting listen through, I'm sure.

slowcloud

So the Garson interview continues with one that covers his career with Bowie and also deeply probes his creative process. As I have said, in 2004 I spoke to him for a proposed cover story in "Goldmine Magazine" which never materialized after a series of mishaps that lead to Bowie's quiet retirement. The interview finally sees the light of day now.

Here is part one (where I deal with the obvious first):
http://indieethos.wordpress.com/2011...-bowie-part-1/

I plan to add 4-5 more posts that will see my entire archival interview with Garson released over the course of the week. It will also feature sound files of him demonstrating some ideas on a piano! So keep coming back to indieethos.wordpress.com every morning for a new post and a probing portrait of the artist that certainly added a special flavor to the Bowie sound.

nothingfails

I'm ready for a new album. Its been eight years, Dave's not getting younger.