The Piano Dealer and Benny Green

A piano dealer may offer Benny Green fans much in the way of sheet music, instruments, lessons, and accessories. All shops are different, but a well-stocked shop will be a boon for those who would like to emulate or learn about the popular hard bop pianist, Benny Green.

Interestingly enough, the same name has been held in slightly different forms by three musicians. Benny, a popular hard bop pianist, was born in New York in 1963. Although he was born on the east coast, he moved to Berkeley, California as a tot and remained there during his childhood and adolescence. His father was a tenor saxophonist and growing up around his dad's music had a profound impact on his own musical interests. He began to study classical piano at age seven but was eventually drawn toward jazz. He began to imitate the tunes he heard on his dad's Bird and Monk records and grew toward his eventual mastery of hard bop jazz. He played in the school band during his high school years then ended up pairing up with Fay Carroll. Fay Carroll was a singer who is credited for discovering his talent and him as an artist. From Carroll, he learned much about the blues and opened for her act many nights.

Benny Green has worked with Eddie Henderson, Art Blakely's Jazz Messengers, Betty Carter, and has led his own trio. He's had releases on Blue Note Records, Criss Cross Jazz and Telarc International. His recordings are readily available at stores and websites offering CD's and LP's as well as at piano dealers. Those studying this instrument are often inspired by Green's work. It helps music students to obtain sheet music and recordings of their idols in order to listen and learn.

Green is not only a talented musician but also a teacher. He is a frequent workshop leader in towns across the U.S., in locales such as Port Townsend, Washington and California. Jazz Camp West is one such workshop site where he's taught. It is located in Northern California nestled among the redwood trees. Various musicians and artists-in-residence appear on the rotating teaching docket to offer week-long immersions into learning all about musical jazz. It is reported that Benny is a sought after instructor due to his enthusiasm, respect for his students, and zest for life.

The other musicians who share this name are Benny, a British saxophonist who was born in 1927 and Bennie, an American trombonist who was born in Chicago in 1923. Since neither of these musicians played piano, it is not as likely that their fans will find artifacts related to them at their local piano dealer.

Other items a fan may find at the local shop include a wide range of instruments, from digital keyboards, to modest uprights all the way up to the grandest of grand pianos. Instruments may be new or used and the stores usually offer piano moving services and lessons. Metronomes and other musical related accessories may be on their shelves, as well. If a burgeoning musician is struck by the talents of the famous Benny Green, he or she may want to stop by the local dealer to find sheet music, recordings, accessories, an instrument and to sign up for lessons.