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Jan Preston Trio – 7 Oct 2020
Jan Preston is known as Australia’s Queen of boogie piano, her new upcoming cd release for October 2020 bears testament to that. She is a magnetic live performer and astonishing piano player with a rich resonant voice. Her original songs, compositions and mastery of boogie- woogie captivate audiences at festivals and in concerts around the world. Winner of 5 music awards, Jan writes music for film and TV, such as her sister Dame Gaylene Preston’s film My Year with Helen. From her background in classical music Jan has created her own style, not only through her piano playing but also her singing and songwriting, which now sees her shine as a truly Antipodean original.
https://www.janpreston.com/
https://www.elsewhere.co.nz/jazz/8828/jan-preston-play-it-again-jan-janprestoncom/
https://open.spotify.com/album/4F6QQvqUurmMyPf2hCAFrP Play It Again Jan album
https://www.facebook.com/sevensharp/videos/2383259598568771/ Jan Preston Trio ( Boogie Circus ) tvnz seven sharp March 2019
Jan was born in Greymouth on the remote West Coast of the South Island of NZ. Our family had little resources or opportunity, but I grew up in an era where people would gather around the piano and sing together. From when I was very young I played piano while everybody sang along or played tea chest basses, eggbeaters, combs, violins, even an old saxophone.
I had an Auntie who played honky tonk style, and heard Winifred Atwell along with early rock n roll on our old Columbus Radio in the kitchen.
Playing piano from the moment I could reach the keys, and being spurred on by my older sister and brother who both played, I studied classical very seriously, becoming a star student, passing all my grades with distinction and gaining a very prestigious place (one of 4 students from the whole of NZ) to study a 5 year classical piano degree at Auckland University.
Although I loved classical music, by the end of the degree I wasn’t happy to be a concert pianist or, more likely, a piano teacher.
So I cut off my hair, and moved to Wellington where I experimented with different styles of music, working in an independent theatre group and then rock bands.
In 1980 my band, “Coup D’Etat” had a No. 1 hit with the song “Doctor I Like Your Medicine”, after which I moved across the Tasman to Sydney, playing in bands and piano bars as well as writing music for films.
It was some years later before I found my own voice, as a boogie piano player and songwriter.
So here I am, still resident in Sydney, but constantly touring to play festivals, concerts and shows around the world, (even a recent trip to China), and I am grateful for the success and musical path I have found.
I am still enormously passionate about music and have so much more to play, sing and write!
Reviews
One woman, a piano and a whole lot of talent.
3 Weeks Edinburgh
From boogie woogie to ragtime the air pulsates with the magical rhythms she produces….a forceful presence and a huge performance energy.
ChCh Star NZ
One of the best pianists of our time, Preston masters the piano like a maestro juggling the keys. Her voice is suave and sensual, with finesse and sensibility.
Crossroads France
Australia’s finest female blues talent.
Drum Media Sydney
This New Zealander is a discovery for friends of excellent boogie based music.
Blues News Germany
Jan Preston is a crusader of the keys…she carries the torch for the piano culture.
Melbourne Age
She sings with a delivery which speaks of empowerment and hope….she’s got the blues in her heart, mardi gras in her fingers, and a Trans-Tasman attitude in her songs.
Rhythms Magazine Australia
At the piano she is queen.
ChCh Press NZ
Technically strong, full of character, dripping with life.
American Blues Review
https://www.audioculture.co.nz/people/jan-preston
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