JONATHAN ROXMOUTH is an incredible pianist – and I mean that in the true sense of the word: “difficult to believe; extraordinary”. In fact, when I saw him previously I pondered whether he was even playing for real, so hard it was to conceive that anyone’s fingers could move like that, so impeccably.
I pondered this publicly on Facebook where he replied that he indeed was playing. I no doubt insulted him but that was not the intention. There are times in Key Change – My Favourite Pianists where his hands were literally a blur, and for some pieces a camera shows them on a screen behind the band, and the three combined Beethoven pieces are breathtaking. How is it even possible? A lifetime of playing likely has something to do with it, but the ability, aptitude and skill is something a person is born with.
Towards the end, I whispered to my friend, “he hasn’t played Billy Joel.” (Except for one line in a very clever love song medley.) Surely such an oversight would not be allowed? Wait and see. Also, don’t walk out mid-show if you don’t want the entire audience’s attention directed at you.
It’s a night of fun and entertainment at the hands of a master, and often that’s exactly what we want and need.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jaco Botha