Jazz piano legend Marian McPartland, 95

MANILA, Philippines – Jazz pianist Marian McPartland, who was a glittering fixture in her musical genre over a career spanning 6 decades, has died at the age of 95, her record label said.

The British musician also hosted a program on National Public Radio called “Piano Jazz,” which at more than 30 years was the longest running cultural program on the popular US radio station, Concord Music Group said.

McPartland died of natural causes at her home in Long Island, New York, on Tuesday night, August 20, NPR said.

On her radio program, McPartland interviewed practically every major jazz musician of the post World War-II era.

She told the station in 2005 that her interest in music started when she was a young girl, after hearing her mother play piano.

“From that moment on, I don’t remember ever not playing piano, day and night, wherever I was,” she said.

“At my aunt’s house, at kindergarten, wherever they had a piano, I played it.

“Of course, on the BBC, they played all the hits from over here [in the US]. They played them, I heard them, and I learned them.”

Lush piano touch

McPartland had recorded over 50 albums and is widely acclaimed among jazz aficionados worldwide, for her spare yet striking elegance and her lush piano touch.

But she was also a scorcher when it came to up-tempo numbers. 

As a woman and as a British national, she was a trailblazer in an American and male-dominated genre.

Her admirers cross generations, from Duke Ellington to Bill Evans to Norah Jones to Diana Krall. She remains an influence among today’s pianists, such as Rachel Z and Eliane Elias.

McPartland also has something of a cult following among jazz aficionados in the Philippines.

“Marian McPartland was a joy to listen to, whether she was playing the piano or talking to other musicians on NPR,” said writer, editor, and singer Gou de Jesus.

“I will miss her because she’d been so much a part of my musical landscape. Along with Bill Evans, she’s one pianist whom I am never without in any of my listening devices.

“Her NPR session with Toots Thielemans is a treasure in music history.”

Lawyer and jazz enthusiast Butch Saulog said he continues to marvel at McPartland’s open-minded appreciation of music.

“The thing that struck me most about her was, although she started performing in the late 30’s or early 40’s, she kept an open mind, unlike most of her peers, and willingly listened to evolving styles and movements in jazz.

“She would have Steely Dan and Elvis Costello as her guests in her radio show, ‘Piano Jazz.’ If I remember right, she was particularly impressed by the opening chord sequence of the Dan’s ‘Josie.'”

For another jazz enthusiast, Ricky Jalbuena, McPartland “embodies the Jesuit creed of Men for Others. She was a musician and educator for others. She shared the many talents and gifts God gave her, and she inspired many to soar to greatness.

“Hearing her perform, or listening to her talk show, one could listen and feel love and tenderness shared.”

Here’s a splendid performance by Marian McPartland:

Here, she talks about her music:

– with additional reports by Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com