Classical music and jazz: Jazz pianist Dorian Ford’s new residency at Map Café in Kentish Town
JAZZ pianist Dorian Ford is taking up his second residency at Map Café in Grafton Way, Kentish Town, later this month, playing with his Bop Trio. Dorian will be playing piano pieces based on the theme “Songs for Minnie”. He’ll be exploring country gospel and “beat” generation music, the songs of Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Webb and Keith Jarrett.
“We’ll be playing the music of my childhood, the soundtrack of my early years,” he says.
“I’m particularly mindful of that music right now, having just had a baby girl, called Minnie, and thinking about the music that will influence her. The music that a musician hears in their formative years is always the most deeply felt and it remains with them as a thread throughout their life. Even though we are playing jazz, it’s no big thing to be playing music that is not directly from the swing era. The important thing is for a player is to have an affinity with the song. It could be from the lyrics, the chord changes, the groove that it suggests – the sound, sense and meaning: a good song is a good song!
“I started to discover how much of the real roots of American music – blues and gospel feeling and sense of groove – run through all of this repertoire whether it be Hoagy Carmichael or Joni Mitchell.”
The residency at Map Café is a “home from home” for Dorian as he was born and brought up in the area, went to Rhyl Street primary school, then to Acland Burley.
Dorian Ford is at the Map Café, 46 Grafton Road, NW5, from February 25-28, 0207 485 0077, doors and food 6pm, music 8-10pm, £7 booking essential.