Somersfield's Shamar Morris to Feature in James Richardson's Debut CD Concert
From left: Noah Furbert, James Richardson, and Shamar Morris, will all be featured in the upcoming performance called Beautiful Things, solo piano cd release and concert event on November 11 & 12, at the City Hall Theatre.
November 02, 2011 — Pianist James Richardson is set to release an “eclectic” CD next weekend, aiming to preserve his sound for future generations. The release will coincide with a show featuring a group of talented young musicians at City Hall.
“It’s really important, I think, that all musicians make a contribution to our culture by creating music and works of art. That is really our job,” the 39-year-old said. He pointed out jazz musician Winston DeGraff as one of many local artists who died without leaving a permanent record of his work.
Titled Beautiful Things, Mr Richardson’s debut CD seeks to offer listeners a respite from the stresses of everyday life, allowing them to “rest [their] mind, be at peace and at ease.” The concert will feature a group Mr Richardson refers to as the Young Virtuosos: teenagers Adrian Lewis, Shamar Morris, and Noah Furbert.
He expressed being “very impressed” with the young musicians’ skills and confidence during auditions but was even more thrilled by their enthusiasm for encouraging others to embrace music. Each artist will perform solo, which Mr Richardson considers the “mark of a true musician.” “It’s easier when you are in a band or orchestra and have all these other people around you, but standing up there by yourself you have to engage the audience and build a connection with them,” he explained. “That takes something special and all three of these young people have it.”
Fourteen-year-old Shamar, who has been playing the violin and piano for seven years, is “looking forward to showcasing [his] talent.” The Somersfield Academy student believes his generation often views music as “not the ideal, cool thing to do,” but he finds it provides opportunities to connect with people globally. Sixteen-year-old cellist Noah also looks forward to inspiring his peers, hoping to show them there are alternatives to “being out partying or being on the streets doing nothing.”
Mr Richardson’s interest in music began at age ten while listening to the church choir. Although initially unable to sing, he turned to instruments and discovered a passion for the piano. “From then on I just spent every waking moment finding a piano at church and school,” he said. He eventually received an upright grand piano from church members leaving the Island. He later joined Up with People, travelled through Europe and North America, and studied at the Berklee College of Music before returning to Bermuda in 2003.
Describing his style as “eclectic,” Mr Richardson noted that the album is “the most mellow, calming and relaxing” collection of songs and compositions. Inspired by the negative climate on the Island, he wanted to create something to counterbalance the daily influx of bad news. “The idea behind the concert is to remove ourselves from that hectic environment and find a quieter place where you can rest your mind and let your mind be at peace and at ease,” he said.
This concert marks Mr Richardson’s first major CD project, with more to follow. It will take place on Friday, November 11, and Saturday, November 12, at City Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at bermudatix.bm, All Wrapped Up Home in Washington Mall, and Fabulous Fashions in the Heron Bay Plaza. Regular tickets cost $50, while patrons pay $75, which includes a complimentary copy of the CD (retailing for $25) and entry to a reception at the Bermuda Society of Arts. Mr Richardson will also be available to sign CDs at the reception, and they will later be available at “quality music outlets” around the Island.
Originally published in The Royal Gazette