Profile: George Winston

• George Winston is one of the most popular solo pianists in recent history.
• His music is also quite often misunderstood and inaccurately assessed.
• He is widely credited for being one of the creators of ‘New Age’ piano music.
• “I don’t know how one’s image gets created and I’m not really that concerned about it,â€? Winston said. “But anyone who would characterize what I’m playing as New Age hasn’t been listening very closely. My primary influences are stride piano, people like Fats Waller and Teddy Wilson, and New Orleans R&B, especially players like Henry Butler, whom I’ve been studying for years, as well as Dr. John, Professor Longhair and James Booker. I’ve also done pieces by people like Vince Guaraldi, as well as writing a lot of my own music. I do put a lot of emphasis on melodic interpretation, which might be what has confused some people, but stride and New Orleans R&B are major themes in my music.â€?
• He often performs and records for social concerns.

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