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Highline Ballroom Piano Series - 11 shows @ the NYC venue

by Andrew Frisicano

Cecil Taylor & McCoy Tyner…
McCoy Tyner and Cecil Taylor

Born Dec. 11, 1938, [McCoy] Tyner made his name as a member of the legendary John Coltrane Quartet in the 1960s. Since then, he has brought his distinctive playing style, and his compositions, to dozens of records on which he leads his own bands.

[What’s his secret?]

Tyner says the secret is simple: Drink carrot juice.

“Well, I like carrot juice,” he says. “I have a juice machine at home that helps. Carrot juice is real good for you. Carrot and celery. Don’t forget celery.” [NPR]

You can buy him a glass at the Highline Ballroom on Sunday, August 23rd, where he’ll perform as part of the venue’s Piano Series, an 11-night lineup of piano-driven acts that runs from August 17th through August 28th.

We previously reported that Tyner’s Lincoln Center shows in May would be his last NYC gigs for a while, and though according to his website that’s still true, Tyner will bring his Trio (bassist Gerald Cannon and drummer Eric Kamau Gravatt plus guest saxist Gary Bartz) to the Highline for one two-set night.

Another Hall-of-Fame level jazz great, Cecil Taylor, will play as part of the series too. He’ll perform solo on Tuesday, August 25th (two sets also).

The series mixes those legends with a slew of younger but equally impressive acts like the The Bad Plus, Matthew Shipp, and the Benevento/Russo Duo, who are all playing the series.

Tickets to all the shows are on sale now.

The Piano Series’ full schedule, which includes non-jazz pianists too, is posted below…

The Highline Piano Series @ Highline Ballroom

Monday, August 17
THE BENEVENTO/RUSSO DUO
Part of The Highline Piano Series
File Under: Rock, Jazz, Jam Band
Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 9:00pm
$18 adv, $20 at door

Tuesday, August 18
MATTHEW SHIPP
– LAFAYETTE GILCHRIST
Part of The 2009 Highline Piano Series
File Under: Jazz
Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 7:30pm

Wednesday, August 19
PETER CINCOTTI
Part of The 2009 Highline Piano Series
File Under: Singer/Songwriter, Jazz
1st Show: Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm
2nd Show: Doors at 10:00pm, Show at 10:30pm

Thursday, August 20
VIENNA TENG
Part of The 2009 Highline Piano Series
File Under: Singer/Songwriter
Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm

Friday, August 21
THE BAD PLUS
Part of The 2009 Highline Piano Series
File Under: Jazz
1st Show: Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm
2nd Show: Doors at 10:30pm, Show at 11:00pm

Saturday, August 22
IRIS DEMENT
Part of The 2009 Highline Piano Series
File Under: Country, Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm

Sunday, August 23
THE MCCOY TYNER TRIO featuring Gerald Cannon and Eric Kamau Gravatt
and special guest GARY BARTZ
– THE JONATHAN BATISTE BAND
Part of The 2009 Highline Piano Series
File Under: Jazz
1st Show: Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 7:30pm
2nd Show: Doors at 10:00pm, Show at 10:30pm

Monday, August 24
CHRISTOPHER O’RILEY
Part of The Highline Piano Series
File Under: Rock, Classical
Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 9:00pm

Tuesday, August 25
CECIL TAYLOR
Produced by Jill Newman Productions
Part of The Highline Piano Series
File Under: Jazz
1st Show: Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm
2nd Show: Doors at 10:00pm, Show at 10:30pm

Wednesday, August 26
PHIL VASSAR
Part of The Highline Piano Series
File Under: Country, Singer/Songwriter
Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm

Friday, August 28
PAULA VALSTEIN
– JESSE LYNN
Part of The Highline Piano Series
File Under: Singer/Songwriter
Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 7:00pm