Product Description

Length: 49:16

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Description: In part three (3 of 4) of this piano masterclass series, legendary pianist Mike Garson discusses his time with David Bowie, his illustrious career and his approach to gigs/music. Mike has played with artists such as David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Billy Corgan, David Liebman, Stan Getz, Stanley Clarke, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones, Lee Konitz, Steve Grossman, Jay-Z, No Doubt and Seal. If you're a fan of Mike Garson and want to know more about his diverse resume, this piano masterclass series is for you. NOTE: There is a PDF bundled with the "purchase" version of this video (not the $8.99 "rental" version), which contains the embedded notation seen in the masterclass. If you want to buy this 4-part series at a discount, you can get the entire bundle here!

Topics Covered: Piano, David Bowie, Avant Garde, Jazz, Stride, Aladdin Sane, Classical, Bowie Stories, The Audition, Getting the Gig, Relationship with Bowie, Influences, Interpretation, David Liebman, Eddie Gomez, Rock Playing, Rick Marotta, Brethren, Annette Peacock, Keyboard/Computer Sounds, Playing What You Hear, The Fans, Favorite Bowie Tunes, Etc.

Mike Garson

In his youth, Mike studied classical composition with Leonard Eisner of Juilliard and earned degrees in Music and Education from Brooklyn College. He also studied with Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Hal Overton, Robert Starer and Lennie Tristano. He has played with Stanley Clarke, Elvin Jones, Lee Konitz, Stan Getz and Freddie Hubbard.

Mike is perhaps best known for his relationship with David Bowie, which began in late 1971. He made his mark on numerous Bowie albums and has traveled thousands of miles on Bowie tours, including his 2003-04 “A Reality Tour,” Bowie’s first world tour in 20 years. In November 2006, Mike accompanied Bowie and Alicia Keys during a unique performance of “Changes” at an AIDS benefit in New York City.

Mike’s solid reputation for creativity and quality has motivated many other musicians to invite him to record on their albums, including Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins, , No Doubt, and Trent Reznor, whom Mike first met during David Bowie’s 1996 “Outside” tour. Trent featured Mike on several tracks of Nine Inch Nails’ “The Fragile” album. Mike can also be heard on Seal’s “Human Being” as well as a bonus track at the end of No Doubt’s “Return of Saturn” album.

Since 1982, Mike has been a member of Free Flight, a jazz and classical ensemble featuring renowned flutist Jim Walker. In addition to serving as the group’s pianist, Mike composed most of their music. Free Flight appeared four times on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

Mike and Billy Corgan collaborated in 1999, co-composing the score of the film Stigmata. Among their collaborations was the haunting hit “Identify,” which was performed by Natalie Imbruglia. In 2014, Mike and Trent Reznor collaborated on the song “Just Like You” for the hit film Gone Girl.

A lifelong learner, Mike has taught students at master classes and through private instruction. Mike has appeared at universities around the world where he has both guest lectured and performed for numerous music students and public audiences.