When it was released in 1984, Prince's landmark Purple Rain album began to influence generations of artists from multiple genres. One of those was pianist Roy Meriwether. Meriwether was so taken by one track in particular, “The Beautiful Ones," that he decided to cover it. But Meriwether did more than simply remake it; he molded the song's then-groundbreaking mélange of synth-pop and R&B to his own style, giving it a jazzy elegance and a breathtaking piano jam that matched Prince's mastery with the guitar solo. Originally appearing in 1999 (appropriately enough), This One's On Me, the album which features “The Beautiful Ones," has just been reissued for online sales.
The self-taught Meriwether was born in Dayton, Ohio. At the age of three, Meriwether was already playing piano and he composed his first song not even a year later. He honed his craft by playing in his father's church and regularly performing with Gospel singers throughout the Midwest. A multi award-winning musician, Meriwether has released several albums and tours frequently throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Featuring covers as well as originals, This One's On Me is among Meriwether's most accomplished efforts. Meriwether's version of “Sidewalks of New York" is enlivened by his sprightly piano, which gradually builds up momentum until it speeds to a crashing, riveting climax. It is a testament to Meriwether's talent that the best material on This One's On Me is written by himself. “When I Think of Miles" is a plaintive tribute to the legendary Miles Davis; it's a mellow beauty, something to hear underneath the moon on a starry night. What Meriwether is trying to portray on “When I Think of Miles" is the transferring of inspiration from mentor to student; the sense of wonder that is conjured by Meriwether's piano here is a dazzling sight. However, ballads do not provide the real showcase of Meriwether's skills. The jumpy “Soup & Onions" crackles with the energy of a runaway locomotive; you will believe that a piano can fly.
Although more than a decade old now, This One's On Me displays no signs of dust; it sparkles with life and an undying love for jazz music.
The self-taught Meriwether was born in Dayton, Ohio. At the age of three, Meriwether was already playing piano and he composed his first song not even a year later. He honed his craft by playing in his father's church and regularly performing with Gospel singers throughout the Midwest. A multi award-winning musician, Meriwether has released several albums and tours frequently throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Featuring covers as well as originals, This One's On Me is among Meriwether's most accomplished efforts. Meriwether's version of “Sidewalks of New York" is enlivened by his sprightly piano, which gradually builds up momentum until it speeds to a crashing, riveting climax. It is a testament to Meriwether's talent that the best material on This One's On Me is written by himself. “When I Think of Miles" is a plaintive tribute to the legendary Miles Davis; it's a mellow beauty, something to hear underneath the moon on a starry night. What Meriwether is trying to portray on “When I Think of Miles" is the transferring of inspiration from mentor to student; the sense of wonder that is conjured by Meriwether's piano here is a dazzling sight. However, ballads do not provide the real showcase of Meriwether's skills. The jumpy “Soup & Onions" crackles with the energy of a runaway locomotive; you will believe that a piano can fly.
Although more than a decade old now, This One's On Me displays no signs of dust; it sparkles with life and an undying love for jazz music.
