Revisiting the Köln Concert with John Roney

For the occasion of the 46th anniversary of its performance, Montreal pianist John Roney re-imagines jazz icon Keith Jarrett’s legendary concert, improvising on the original melodies and themes while preserving its essence.

Back in January 1975, 1300 people witnessed American jazz pianist Keith Jarrett perform a solo recital in the majestic Cologne opera house. This remarkable concert was recorded and became a best-selling, highly acclaimed album.

Since settling in Montreal, John Roney has captured the attention of the local jazz scene, performing frequently with local and international artists. His musical collaborations with Chet Doxas, Remi Bolduc, Effendi JazzLab, Bernard Primeau and Jean-Christophe Béney have led to various tours throughout Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, and numerous recordings for CBC RadioCanada, Global Television, JustinTime Records, Effendi Records, and Swingin’Time Productions and at performances throughout Canada and Europe. His work with classical soprano Natalie Choquette has led to performances all around the world including Canada, Japan, China, Europe, and western Africa.

Further from home, John has performed and/or recorded with legendary international artists such as drummers Peter Erskine and Steve Houghton, bassists Christian McBride and Alain Caron, composers Johnny Mandel, Gary Kulesha and Alf Clausen, Belgian guitarist Phillipe Catherine, and saxophonists Seamus Blake, Nick Brignola, Francois Théberge, Michael Blake, Jerry Bergonzi, and Donny McCaslin. As a composer, John has scored music for orchestra and chamber ensembles in Ontario and Quebec, and writes music for radio, films, television, and theatrical productions, including transcriptions and arrangements for “The Triplettes of Belleville” (Benoit Charest), “Houdini” (Elan Kunin) and various productions for soprano Natalie Choquette.

Dates: Thursday, January 28 at 7:30 pm and available online for two weeks afterwards

To purchase your virtual ticket visit: www.mbam.qc.ca/en/bourgie-hall/

To view John Roney discussing the Köln Concert visit: www.themontrealeronline.com/2021/01/john-roney-the-koln-concert