Pianist George Winston plays all over map at Metropolis
Grammy-winning pianist George Winston made a name for himself playing stark, haunting solo melodies that got labeled "New Age" or spiritual.
But Winston prefers to call his style of music folk piano, and has broadened his performances to include his first loves: New Orleans rhythm and blues and "stride" jazz piano, as well as rock 'n' roll interpretations.
He also plays guitar and harmonica, so those attending his shows tonight and Wednesday at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights should expect an eclectic show.
"It's a wonderful place," he said of the center, where he has played twice previously. "It'll be great to be back."
Winston will play favorites like his variations on Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major" and "Woods." The show will also feature songs from his new album, "Love Will Come - The Music of Vince Guaraldi, Vol. 2," including selections from some of the "Peanuts" animated cartoons.
Winston grew up mainly in Montana, where he still lives. He came to love instrumental rock and R&B hits that had a place on radio in the 1960s.
Winston recorded his first solo album in 1972, "Ballads and Blues," and his career took off in the 1980s with albums like "Autumn" and "December."
More recently, he has branched out to do an album of his favorites by The Doors, "Night Divides the Day," and a benefit album for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Playing other artists' songs, Winston said, helps both him and his audience to find his unique contribution to the music.
"When you play songs people know, they can hear you put yourself into it, because they already know the music," he said. "It really forces you to come to terms with the instrument and, 'Who am I? What do I want to do with this?'"
At 61, Winston still practices one to three hours many days, and plays about 100 shows a year, pounding his shoeless feet on the floor and with no amplification on the piano, to evoke its natural sound.
For the past 20 years, he has collected canned foods and donated all proceeds from sales of CDs at his concerts, averaging $25,000 a year.
On Sunday, he played a solo guitar concert at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Naperville for a film documentary on homelessness for hearus.org.
Tonight and Wednesday, Winston will collect canned food and donate proceeds to the CEDA Northwest Self-Help Center in Mount Prospect.
<p class="factboxheadblack">George Winston</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St. Arlington Heights</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7:30 p.m. today and Wednesday</p>
<p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $50</p>
<p class="News"><b>Information:</b> (847) 577-2121 or <a href="http://metropolisarts.com" target="new">metropolisarts.com</a></p>