A Calendar's Favorite Pianist

George Winston is a musician who seems to be sideswiped by each passing fancy and dives in with a deep, inspired passion. He first came to prominence in the early '80s with a series of atmospheric, New Age-ish albums of solo piano music that painted moody soundscapes and conjured images of the seasons they were named after. Then, in the mid-'90s, he switched gears as if forced into the musical left turn lane by construction. Captivated by the jaunty piano pieces composed by Vince Guaraldi for the Peanuts television specials, he released Linus and Lucy--The Music of Vince Guaraldi, an album of delightful interpretations of these familiar tunes. This stylistic detour was followed in 2002 by an even more surprising musical and stylistic diversion, Night Divides the Day--The Music of the Doors. This astounding album's solo piano renditions of classic Doors songs seem about as far away from his New Age roots as you can get while still playing the same instrument. Winston continues to explore the landscape of popular music styles and moods, and one never really sees the next curveball coming. Join George Winston on his next journey at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Lakewood Theater, 1825 Abrams Parkway. Tickets are $29 to $39. Visit ticketmaster.com or georgewinston.com for details.
Wed., Nov. 4, 8:15 p.m., 2009