Paul de Barros, jazz columnist for the Seattle Times, will discuss his
new biography of Marian McPartland, a living legend in the annals of
piano jazz, during a presentation at the library this Saturday.
Born in the UK as Margaret Marian Turner, Marian McPartland learned to play classical piano, but was passionately attracted to the rhythms of American jazz. Entertaining troops in WWII Europe, she met her future husband, Jimmy McPartland, a cocky young trumpet player who was the protege of the great Bix Beiderbecke. They were married and, together, they made jazz history.
At first, Marian played second fiddle to Jimmy in Chicago, but when they moved to New York, Marian and her trio took up residence at the famous Hickory House where she thrilled the crowds from her perch on a stage in the middle of large oval bar. From there she went on to triumphs at places like the Montreaux Jazz Festival.
Among her greatest accomplishments is NPR’s esteemed “Piano Jazz,” a program she started in 1979 and hosted for 32 years. At age 92, she continues to serve as the show’s artistic director.
In addition to writing for the Seattle Times, de Barros is an adjunct music professor at Seattle University, a regular contributor to Down Beat magazine, and curator of the Experience Music Project's jazz showcase.
Locally, de Barros is the jazz music collection specialist for the Manieri Jazz and Swing Endowment at our Library.
Shall We Play That One Together?, The Life & Art of Jazz Piano Legend Marian McPartland. Sunday, Nov. 11, 3pm. Anacortes Public Library.