 |
| Michael Palma, center, chatting up host Robert Swann. |
Michael Palma
St Paul United Methodist Church
Dallas, TX
April 14, 2015
The long-anticipated solo piano show of Bernard Wright was
not to be as Bernard unfortunately had to cancel. But the capable and talented
Michael Palma stepped in to woo the Tuesday Nite Jazz crowd at St Paul United
Methodist Church.
After the show, the celebrated 29-year-old pianist received
rave reviews for his rendition of Giant Steps, the John Coltrane tune. He told
the crowd he played “some improvisational music, some American songbook and
some original compositions.” Among them were Mal Waldron’s Soul Eyes; and he
turned to the artist whose music drew him to the piano, Herbie Hancock (Dolphin
Dance).
He urged the audience to visit Itunes to get his latest work
Lazy Lover which he recorded with vocalist Chloe Demetria under the band name
of Xayide.
Palma attended the acclaimed Booker T. Washington High
School in Dallas and went on to the Berklee College of Music. He went on to be
one of the youngest instructors in the celebrated jazz program of the
University of North Texas.
At his young age, he has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Roy
Hargrove, Greg Osby, Mark Turner, Jimmy Cobb and others. He has performed in
numerous countries, recognized by publications like Downbeat magazine and his
compositions has been performed on numerous networks and shows like Dancing
with the Stars.
Palma had everyone glowing after his solo performance with
music lovers saying, I have heard this guy before but nothing like this!
One can only imagine that Michael Palma was inspired,
honored to get the call to fill in for a Miles Davis alumnus Bernard Wright. It
was like a homecoming for Palma, literally across the street from his old high
school.
