Randy Klein at the Manhattan School of Music Jazz Gala Honoring Larry Rosen and Dave Grusin
Photo: Dr. James Gandre, President of Manhattan School of Music and Randy Klein
Photo: Debra Kinzler of Manhattan School of Music and Randy Klein
Photo: Randy Klein at the Manhattan School of Music Jazz Gala 2013
Randy Klein’s Article About The Star Spangled Banner Published in American Songwriter Magazine
FOR MY PEOPLE at San Diego State University
Every once in a while, a composer actually gets to hear what he or she was imagining while composing a piece of music. In my case, this past weekend’s concert at San Diego State University, was my turn. I got to hear much of the music from FOR MY PEOPLE as I heard it while composing. This is because of the wonderful performance by the San Diego State University Aztec Concert Choir conducted by Dr. Patrick Walders. It was my utmost pleasure to work with such a wonderful group of enthusiastic students who sing their hearts out. The audience’s response was overwhelming. They stood and cheered! Congrats to all! Thank you all for the joyful experience.
Photos: The performance of For My People - A New Musical Work by Composer Randy Klein based on the Poems of Margaret Walker at San Diego State University School of Music and Dance on March 24, 2013. The concert featured composer Randy Klein on piano, vocal solos by Broadway performer Aurelia Williams, the 80-voice Aztec Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Patrick Walders. Choral arrangements by James Ballard. Photo Credit: Charise Lewis Photography. More photos
For more information about the project go to Electronic Press Kit: For My People - A New Musical Work by Composer Randy Klein based on the Poems of Margaret Walker
On March 22, 2013 I had the honor of conducting a two hour master class at San Diego State University School of Music and Dance’s piano department. The class included four excellent pianists playing pieces from Mozart, Prokofiev, Schubert and Debussy. We found ourselves discussing the infinite sounds that the piano is capable of making and how it can vary depending on the composer and the pianist playing. The range of the selections allowed for a very in depth discussion. Great playing and everyone learning! Terrific experience! Congrats to all the very fine pianists!
Randy Klein and Aurelia Williams Led a Master Class at San Diego State University School of Music and Dance
On March 20, 2013 Randy Klein and Aurelia Williams led a performance master class at San Diego State University School of Music and Dance. The audience listened to pieces from For My People - A New Musical Work by Composer Randy Klein based on the Poems of Margaret Walker and had the rare opportunity to view a rehearsal of a new piece being added to the concert. Questions about composing and performing the work were asked by the students. Three more performance master classes are scheduled this week ending with the concert of For My People this Sunday, March 24, 2013. For more information about the concert go here.
West Coast Premiere of “For My People - A New Musical Work by Composer Randy Klein based on the Poems of Margaret Walker” at San Diego State University!
SDSU School of Music and Dance Presents the SDSU Choirs Spring Concert featuring The West Coast Premiere of For My People - A New Musical Work by Composer Randy Klein based on the Poems of Margaret Walker.
Includes Performances by Emmy Winning Composer Randy Klein, Broadway Vocalist Aurelia Williams and the 80-Voice Aztec Choirs under the direction of Dr. Patrick Walders
Guitar International Reviews Randy Klein’s Two Duos “What’s Next?” w/Alex Skolnick and Boris Kozlov
Pianist Randy Klein is an alumnus of Berklee College of Music. He is an Emmy Award winner for Free To Dance (PBS Great Performances), Beyond Tara – The extraordinary Life Of Hattie Mc Daniel (American Movie Classics) and Richard Wright – Black Boy (PBS/BBC Production).
Klein has also enjoyed great success in Musical Theatre, and has released 11 recordings as a leader for his record label “Jazzheads.” Klein states that he hopes to continue his series of duo recordings for years to come.On this project Klein is joined on alternating tracks by bassist Boris Kozlov and guitarist Alex Skolnick.
Kozlov is Russian born, and has been with the Mingus Big Band for many years. Skolnick is best known for his work with Testament and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. His reputation for technical prowess in the heavy metal genre is well deserved.
The opening tune is titled “Exalted Kingdom” and featured a tight unison statement of a Latin tinged melody. Skolnick immediately shows that he is capable of a nice full traditional Jazz tone and phrasing. Klein’s note selection and soloing is a combination of Bill Evans and Ahmad Jamal. He plays nice full chords underneath thoughtful single lines that flow effectively through the changes.Next up is the title tune “What’s Next.”
Kozlov provides the perfect voice to blend with Klein both as a support instrument and soloist. Their natural interplay shows a commonality of musical background and approach that works wonderfully. “Casa China” brings Skolnick back to share in a somewhat mysterious melodic statement and feel.
“Dear Charles Mingus” is a bass feature that I am sure has the departed legend smiling from above. “No” is a playful tune with a somewhat fugal treatment and presentation. Once again Skolnick serves as a perfect partner to Klein’s musical intent.All of the compositions are Klein originals. Other titles included are “Lark,” “Where’s My Glasses,” “Tea for Three,” “Inner Voice” and ‘Return to Splendor.”
Each tune is perfectly placed in the order of the presentation to guarantee a solid contrast throughout. The melodies are all extremely well crafted and interesting. Klein’s chord progressions offer a modern approach while maintaining enough of the traditional thought processes to be logical and pleasing to the most hard line old school listener.
This is a truly fine recording performed by three excellent musicians. It will be a welcome addition to the library of any Jazz fan. It can be enjoyed as either relaxing background music, or analyzed and appreciated for its complexity. That is a truly rare combination and a testament to the quality of the compositions.
Guitar International - Vince Lewis
“What’s Next?” available on JAZZHEADS, 
and 
YOU CAN WRITE A SONG: Songwriting Coaching with Randy Klein
Songwriting Is A Craft That Can Be Learned and Enjoyed By All!
Private coaching for songwriters with Randy Klein, an award winning composer with multiple Gold Records and Emmys. Critiques include analysis of lyrics, melody and demos. Your songs will improve and your craft will grow. Your voice will emerge in your songs after just one lesson. All levels and genres welcome (including professional writers to shower singer-songwriters). So sign-up and begin writing your songs!
Each lesson is an individual and unique songwriting experience!
One on one sessions either in New York City or by SKYPE.
Contact: randyklein@randyklein.com for more information.
Listen to what Randy’s students are saying about his song coaching:
“Randy is a coach that cares about helping to think & detail every line & note of the song. He challenges you to be a better songwriter. Thanks, Randy.”
“Randy was excellent. I enjoyed how he went through each song line by line and gave excellent suggestions and critique.”
“This was my first Private Coaching session and I have received a wealth of information & personalized help. Randy Klein is an excellent coach and mentor.”
“It feels really good when I can gain insight as to what is most helpful, or needed in choosing to get feedback for my songwriting. I appreciate it, for all that it is worth. And I must say, that it is worth it’s weight in gold. Whether I’m inching or making baby steps along this journey, it has all been a wonderful experience.”
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BIO: Randy Klein is a music educator who conducts clinics on music, the business of music and songwriting to universities and conferences. He has taught at the University of Kansas, James Madison University, San Diego State University, Berklee College of Music, SongU.com along with a long list of private students.
Klein’s awards include:
- the Simons Public Humanities Fellowship at the Hall Center for the Humanities (University of Kansas),
- BMI Foundation Jerry Harrington Award, CAP Grant (American Music Center) for his song cycle For My People.
- Southern Regional Emmy Awards: Richard Wright (Black Boy) PPS/BBC;
- Southern Regional Emmy Awards “Outstanding Collaborative Achievement for Composer”;
- National Emmy Award for Best Public Service Announcement - Ticktock Minutes (PBS)
- Nominated - Jerry Boch Award in theater composition.
- Winner - USA Songwriting Competition in Jazz for “Data”.
Klein has composed/produced songs for R&B legend Millie Jackson (Gold Records), dance hit “Watch The Closing Doors” for RCA group IRT and has songs recorded by Candy Staton, Sarah Dash, rap group Black Sheep, Memphis Bleak and Sesame Street.
He is a member of Advanced BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop, The Dramatists Guild, NARAS; alumnus of the Berklee College of Music; President of Jazzheads, an independent Jazz record label; exclusive Steinway Artist.
Improvisation #11
West Coast Premier of For My People: The Margaret Walker Song Cycle at San Diego State University!
West Coast Premier of For My People: The Margaret Walker Song Cycle featuring Emmy Winning composer Randy Klein and Broadway vocalist Aurelia Williams.
San Diego, California - On Sunday, March 24, 2013, Emmy winning and Gold Record award winning composer and pianist Randy Klein will bring For My People - The Margaret Walker Song Cycle to San Diego State University Choirs Spring Concert. The performance is the West-Coast Premiere of the work. The concert will be held at 4 p.m. at the College Avenue Baptist Church, 4747 College Avenue, San Diego, CA.
The Song Cycle is a musical work that incorporates the poetry of Margaret Walker and the music of Randy Klein. It is an exciting multi-media performance that combines a musical concert with video projections corresponding to the images in the poetry and rare footage of Walker reading her poetry. These art songs paint musical impressions to match the poet’s intentions.
As a work of art that encompasses two forms of expression, poetry and music, For My People offers wide appeal to audiences of classical and contemporary vocal music, as well as lovers of poetry, those interested in African-American history, and, of course, fans of Margaret Walker.
This special event will feature Klein, Broadway vocalist Aurelia Williams, and members of the renowned SDSU Chorale under the direction of Dr. Patrick Walders.
For more information about the project go to Electronic Press Kit: For My People - The Margaret Walker Song Cycle
Our new musical EVER HAPPILY AFTER! had its first performance at the Center Stage Theatre Company, Westport, CT in February, 2013. The cast is young and spirited. The audience loved what they saw. Watch the video highlights of the show. Extremely cute!!! Enjoy!!!
MWE3.com Interviews Randy Klein
mwe3: Aside from the different instrumentation, how different is your new duo album What’s Next? compared to your first duo album? Also how did you meet Boris Kozlov and Alex Skolnick and how would you describe the musical chemistry in play on What’s Next? how was the material chosen for the album and how did it begin and end?
RANDY KLEIN: The compositions on Sunday Morning, the first CD from the Two Duos project, are more melody and harmony driven. They were chosen because they fit the two players performing them. Oleg Kireyev has a deep warm saxophone sound and Chris Washburne has a unique facility in all ranges of the trombone. Both are superb all around musicians and improvisers. As I was preparing What’s Next? I wanted to make the CD simply different from the last one. The most important difference was to use two rhythm instruments and the compositions on What’s Next? are written with this idea in mind. The compositions also forced my demands as a pianist to grow.
MWE3.com Reviews Randy Klein’s Two Duos “What’s Next?” w/Alex Skolnick and Boris Kozlov
Jazz duo albums can sometimes be a hit and miss affair yet one that completely hits the bullseye is What’s Next? by jazz pianist Randy Klein. For the 12 track, hour long What’s Next? Randy teams with guitar virtuoso Alex Skolnick and bassist Boris Kozlov and the results are a delicate yet sonically durable outing that puts Klein’s sumptuous grand piano skills in a very favorable light. Both Skolnick and Kozlov are fine players to compliment Klein’s sensitive sounding, jazzy piano tracks. What’s Next? is actually the second CD of Randy Klein’s Two Duos album series from the pianist, the first one being 2010’s Sunday Morning, featuring Klein with trombonist Chris Washburne and saxophonist Oleg Kireyev. Guitar fans will note Skolnick’s tasteful fretboard work on What’s Next? and indeed Skolnick’s deft touch sounds quite well suited to Klein’s jazzy piano. Commenting on working with Skolnick and Kozlov on What’s Next? Klein adds, ‘These are top notch players! And when you play with players who are on this level, it really becomes a dream come true.’ Jazz fans who appreciate sensitive, varied, acoustic piano-based albums are truly well served by this album, while music fans should keep their ears open for more releases from the soon to be acclaimed series of CD releases from Randy Klein’s Two Duos on Jazzheads - the record label started by Klein back in 1992.
“What’s Next?” available on JAZZHEADS, and
Randy Klein at the 55th GRAMMY Awards Ceremony with Multi-Grammy Nominee Latin Jazz drummer Bobby Sanabria, Chair Jazz Arts Program at Manhattan School of Music Justin DiCioccio, and Jazz saxophonist Bob Mintzer.
Teaching Songwriting Course “You Can Write a Song” at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music!
Join me at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music where I’m teaching a NEW Songwriting Course called “You Can Write a Song” (all levels welcome)!
You Can Write a Song
Songwriting Is A Craft That Can Be Learned and Enjoyed By All!
You don’t play and instrument, but you really really want to write a song, and in fact, you have lots of ideas for songs. Through this course, you will write a song and you will get immense joy and satisfaction from it. (Shower singer/songwriters welcome!). The best songs are about what you know, what comes from the heart and can be about any subject. Songs are moments of inspiration. “We are human and sometimes we must simply stop speaking and sing our emotions.” So, sign up and begin writing songs!
Tuesday, 8:00-9:30 pm
CLICK TO REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS
