Dear Christopher,
The Summit starts this weekend, so mark your calendars if you haven’t already. Click here to see the full schedule.
On the final day, the spectacular grand finale concert of the Newton Piano Summit will feature the extraordinary talents of David Kikoski and Alexei Tsiganov, joined by the remarkable rhythm section of bassist John Lockwood and drummer Rafael Barata!
BTW, it also turns out we will have a new piano for this season!
Date: March 22 Time: 3-5 pm
Location: Second Church in Newton, 60 Highland St., Newton 02465
David Kikoski is one of the most respected and sought-after pianists in the world of jazz. Rooted in the jazz tradition yet constantly pushing it forward, Kikoski moves effortlessly from hard-swinging bop to lush ballads, from rhythmically daring trio interplay to high-octane large-ensemble work. His playing has drawn praise from peers and press alike: Chick Corea lauded “the brilliant playing of David Kikoski” that “just smokes,” and The New York Times has described him as a pianist of “broad experience and even broader capability.”
Kikoski has performed and recorded with some of the greatest names in jazz, including Roy Haynes, Randy Brecker, Dave Holland, Bob Berg, Pat Metheny, George Garzone, Red Rodney, Billy Hart, Craig Handy, Ralph Moore, Joe Locke, Didier Lockwood, Seamus Blake, Alex Sipiagin, Christian McBride, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and the Mingus Big Band. His extensive discography as both a leader and sideman showcases his remarkable versatility, seamlessly blending jazz, classical, and contemporary influences.
Alexei Tsiganov is an exceptional musician known for sophisticated harmonic sensibility, high-octane drive, and a fearless approach to improvisation. While widely acclaimed as a pianist, for this special evening, he returns to the vibraphone — his first love. Originally from Russia, Tsiganov has captivated audiences around the world with a unique style woven from a rich tapestry of musical influences, seamlessly blending the Russian classical tradition, the American jazz idiom, and the infectious rhythms of Latin music. A highly respected figure in the Boston jazz scene and beyond, Tsiganov has collaborated with numerous acclaimed musicians, earning a reputation as one of the most compelling voices in modern jazz.
John Lockwood is one of the most revered jazz bassists in New England, known for his deep groove, intuitive musicianship, and decades-long collaborations with some of the world’s most celebrated jazz artists. A longtime member of the internationally acclaimed jazz group The Fringe (with George Garzone and Bob Gullotti), Lockwood has also performed with Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Pharoah Sanders, Danilo Pérez, and countless others. A dedicated educator, he has taught at institutions such as Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory, mentoring generations of aspiring jazz musicians.
Rafael Barata is a Brazilian drummer, percussionist, and producer, born and raised in Rio de Janeiro. Barata’s playing is known for bringing fire and passion with meticulous time and forms, and an ability to move seamlessly between straight-ahead jazz phrasing and Brazilian, groove-oriented approaches. His credits include collaborations with Herbie Hancock, Kenny Barron, Eliane Elias, Kenny Werner, Toots Thielemans, Esperanza Spalding, Christian McBride, Ivan Lins, Milton Nascimento, and other major figures across Brazilian and American scenes.
Together, these four exceptional musicians promise to deliver a truly unforgettable afternoon of world-class jazz. The combination of Kikoski and Tsiganov's masterful artistry with the powerhouse rhythm section of Lockwood and Barata is sure to create an electrifying musical experience that you won't want to miss.
Let's make this grand finale a night to remember! After the concerts, go have dinner at the Bluebird Bar in West Newton, our first "Official Restaurant/Bar Live Music Venue" of the Summit.
