Piedmont Piano Company is pleased to present
Nicolas Bearde & Friends
Celebrating the Season
Now celebrating his 13th anniversary, this special concert is a “must see” show for all fans of contemporary Jazz and Blues. With holiday classics and carols getting the signature Nicolas Bearde high-energy makeover, it’s a show you won’t want to miss. Joining him on stage are some of the Bay Area’s best: John R Burr (piano), Gary Brown (bass), and Leon Joyce, Jr. (drums).
Give the gift of music this Holiday season to family and friends. Make your reservations early. This “one night only concert” always sells out.
$25 advance tickets
$30 at the door
Meet & Greet and reception to follow.
“A jewel always shines brightest when placed in just the right setting... Bearde’s soulful and affecting baritone sits atop these impeccably tailored arrangements of sterling standards... the results are absolutely stunning” – Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
Recording artist, Nicolas Bearde, a seasoned and highly respected showman, has established himself as a powerful presence in the contemporary jazz vocal mileu over this past decade. His silky baritone sound invites comparisons to Johnny Hartman, Lou Rawls, and Joe Williams, and his wit and engaging rapport captures and draws the audience into his live performances. From the international stages of jazz festivals/performances at North Sea, Montreaux, Beijing, Moscow and London to famed jazz clubs such as: Birdland in NY, Blue Note in Napa, SF Jazz Center and Yoshi’s, Nicolas has received rave reviews for his vocal prowess. He released his 6th album, I Remember You: The Music of Nat King Cole, on August 30, 2019, which is devoted to the centenary of Cole's birth. The album soared to #15 on the Jazz Week Chart in the first few weeks, and is garnering rave reviews in the US and abroad. In addition to Holiday classics and carols, Nicolas will also delve into some of Nat’s timeless hits for this performance. nicolasbearde.com
John R. Burr is that rare pianist who combines jazz technique with a genuine love for folk music. The Philadelphia Weekly said, “Pianist extraordinaire John R. Burr has the most sparkling style since former Allman Brother-turned-Rolling Stone hired hand Chuck Leavell.” Discology wrote, “John R. Burr ranks with the best of the elegant jazzers.” compassrecords.com/artist/john-r-burr
Gary Brown is a skilled and versatile bassist on both acoustic and electric basses, his clear solid foundation as well as his melodic rainbow of color and counterpoint established him as a much sought after component for major recording, performance and production projects around the world. Gary has recorded and performed with such notable artists as Flora Purim & Airto, Steve Winwood, George Duke, Santana , Dianne Reeves, Roy Ayres, and has composed music for film and television networks ABC, NBC and CBS. mellowtonemusic.com
Leon Joyce Jr. is known as a virtuosic drummer whose deep groove and infectious swing bring irresistible smiles to musicians and audiences alike. His musical career was shaped and nurtured by his service in the Marine Corps from 1976-1997, during which time he served as Drum Major and received numerous prestigious awards. As a drummer Leon has worked for a wide variety of top artists and has appeared at many of the top International Jazz Festivals. In addition to his rich musical career, Leon is a gifted educator and clinician working with youth and adults in Chicago and the Bay Area. leonjoycejr.com