The spectacular jazz pianist Dick Durham returns to the Mainstay in Rock Hall, Maryland in concert with a trio in a celebration of his 70th birthday on Saturday October 27 at 8:00 pm. He will be joined by Max Murray on bass and Frank Russo on drums. Admission is $15. For information and reservations for either concert call 410-639-9133. Information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
A brilliant pianist, Durham is also an arranger and c
omposer. Ballads from his original musicals (adaptations of ‘She Stoops to Conquer’ and ‘Celluloid’) reflect on the joy and pathos of life. In May 2010 his musical “Celluloid” with Earl Lewin was produced in New York City at the 45th St. Theater.
His compositions have earned him two separate Maryland Governor’s Citations for excellence in the performing arts in 2003 and 2005 and his jazz variations on the scores of musicals like “West Side Story” earn standing ovations. New York Times reviewer John Wilson wrote, “[Durham] has managed to expand the usual concept of jazz pianist …to draw on a wide variety of sound colors and textures.”
Durham, who lives in Church Hill, MD, holds a BA in English, M.A. in music; has been playing jazz for 45 years and has performed with, or has been on the bill with Count Basie, Stanley Turantine, Grover Washington, Ernie Watts, Stef Scaggiari, and many others.
His early influences included pianists Errol Garner, Oscar Peterson, Teddy Wilson and Monty Alexander. His first TV appearance was the Morning Show in 1969 and he has performed in solo and combo concerts across the country since.
Max Murray, bassist, grew up with music, joined the Navy band system, toured the world, and eventually retired from the United States Naval Academy Band in 2000. He has shared the stage with major artists such as Henry Mancini, Mose Allison, Neil Sedaka, Gene Bertoncini and Jimmy Witherspoon, and has been featured on recordings with Suede, Rob Levit, Uptown Vocal Quartet and his close friend drummer Frank Russo.
Frank Russo, percussionist, grew up in a musical family in the New York City area. He finished a distinguished career with the Naval Academy Band and now teaches at Towson University. Credits during his playing/recording career have included playing with Keter Betts, The Coasters, Ethel Ennis, Franki Valli, Bill Watrous, Denis DiBlasio, and area musicians Chuck Redd, Alan Blackman, Dick Durham, and his good friend Max Murray. Concert venues have included the Kennedy Center and jazz festivals in the USA and Europe.
The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street. It is a 501(c)(3), non profit dedicated to the arts, serving Rock Hall, MD and the surrounding region. It is committed to presenting local, regional and national level talent, at a reasonable price, in an almost perfect acoustic setting. Wine, beer, sodas and snacks are available at the bar.
The Mainstay is supported by ticket sales, fundraising including donations from friends and audience members and an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
For information and reservations call the Mainstay at 410-639-9133. More information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
Upcoming Mainstay performances include:
November 3 Washington College Independent Playhouse
production “Give Her Away”
November 4 Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen
November 10 Karen Somerville
November 15 Tom Rush
November 17 Blue Rhythm Boys
December 2 Duo Transatlantique
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