Young Royce Martin of St. Louis is a phenomenon. Soft-spoken and reserved in person, he is an audacious explorer at the keyboard. He reminds me happily of Dick Hyman and Dick Wellstood: there is no greater praise.
Here is one of his solo recitals at the fiftieth-anniversary Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, Missouri, on June 1, 2024. The songs are KING PORTER STOMP / HELIOTROPE BOUQUET / ECHOES OF SPRING / TEMPTATION RAG / CHARLESTON RAG / LILY QUEEN / THE ENTERTAINER / Royce’s own SWAGTIME.
Surprises, lyricism, and imagination:
And here’s my review of Royce’s truly fine debut CD:
And his website. He is a spectacular player with a deep musical worldview: catch him now so you can savor his daring and impress your friends!
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 