Johnny Raducanu, the 74 years old pianist, nicknamed Mister Jazz of Roumania by Duke Ellington, is a star in Romania. The famous artist is one the country's Jazz pioneer, since he recorded one of the very first records of the kind in the 60's. Over a 50 years long career, he mixed with the most famous artists such as Louis Armstrong, Keith Jarrett et Stanley Clarke, and recorded with Art Farmer, Frederich Gulda, Slide Hampton, Barney Kessel or Guido Manusardi.
His star status is confirmed by the various rewards he received on the musical side, such as the Price of Excellence, awarded by the Union of Romanian Composers, and an international recognition expressed by a Honorary Membership of the New Orleans Jazz Academia. Johnny pursues his career live, taking part in various Jazz Festivals. He regularly plays in the most fashion piano-bar of Bucharest, the Lptria lui Enache.
Paris
By recording in Paris, Johnny Raducanu revives a family tradition, inherited from his father and uncles, all famous Romanian musicians, but above all regulars of Parisian Jazz Clubs. When asked about his keen interest for the city of lights, Johnny answers humorously that the world smells shit, but Paris stinks less than anywhere else!.... In other words, even if Paris is impacted by a consumerism disregarded by our artist, the French city remains a great inspiration source, as it was for his fellow countrymen Enesco, Brncusi, Ionesco and Cioran, all inhabitants of the French capital.
The album
Over the years, Johnny, composed a lot and spent much time reshaping his work, however he only recorded 6 LP and 4 CD. This new album comes a true happening, since it will combine original pieces and favourite songs such as October Song and Tescani '84, polished by a 50 years' long career.
This new album is now on shelves.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
