Tom Roberts solo performance of material made popular by jazz keyboard pioneer Luckey Roberts

There is a certain joy when you discover a new, unknown  jazz player.  The thrill is similar when you unearth an old unknown player as well.  Luckey Roberts is far from a household name to current jazz fans, but he was certainly known to some of the great players of all time: Duke Ellington, Earl Hines, Willie “The Lion” Smith, James P. Johnson, Eubie Blake… and even George Gershwin.

He was their mentor, teaching them technique, visual and musical tricks and blazing a trail in aggressive piano styles that his students followed to fame.  Luckey Roberts is largely unknown today, but his influence is felt in the way jazz piano is played.

Pianist Tom Roberts is no relation to Luckey, but he’s studied the work of the master and assembled an evening of examples of Luckey’s work.  He’ll be at Watchung on Friday evening, February 22.  If you like the two fisted piano work of Luckey’s more famous disciples, you owe it to yourself to sample the master, as recreated by Tom Roberts.

Tom is from Pittsburgh, so he can’t be heard in this area except on rare occasions. All fans of intricate and hot piano will like this one. And the tab is only $12.  Two full sets too.

You can make your reservations by phone, calling (908) 753-0190, leaving a message outside of office hours (1 to 4 PM).  Tickets will be waiting at the door, even if you use the back door, closer to much of the parking. 

March’s Jazz Series has two segments.  The six-piece Barbone Street Jazz Band will be visiting, playing trad, hot dance music and swing on Friday evening, March 8.  The following week, March 15, the Don Messina Quartet will play.  The group has a strong local following.  Either one is also $12, and the seats can be reserved with the same phone call