Anthony Molinaro Concert at Ravinia

Anthony Molinaro Concert at Ravinia

I never really experienced Ravinia much in the Fall and Winter months, but on the snowy night of Nov. 15, 2014, I made my way up to Bennett Gordon Hall to listen to an evening with Anthony Molinaro playing his Beatles tribute album titled Here, There and Everywhere. I arrived a bit early so I took the rare opportunity to walk through the park with a friend while the snow was falling. A very surreal moment considering a little over a month ago the Pavilion was packed with screaming fans enjoying the last few summer nights….and now as I walk among the snowflakes…..complete silence.
I have been following the career of Anthony Molinaro for over twelve years now. I remember riding my bicycle through an alleyway between Lake Street and Fulton Market, and I would hear the most beautiful piano streaming out of a back window of a loft above what was once the Fulton Lounge. It was a bluesy rendition of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. On other occasional bike treks through the meat packing district, I would hear that piano again and again….to later find out it was Anthony Molinaro practicing in his loft on his baby grand piano.
After his victory at the 1997 Naumburg International Piano Competition in New York City, Anthony Molinaro has played to audiences all over the globe. A gifted jazz artist and music professor at Loyola University Chicago he has evolved into an intense and sophisticated musician over the years.
Molinaro played the entire twelve songs from the album, Here There and Everywhere to an almost sold out crowd. The complexity and intensity of the music and the artist, is a sure sign that this guy has been tickling the ivory’s for quite some time. His heavy jazz influence shines through on most of his pieces as does his classically trained side on the slow masterly crafted arrangements. A nice break in the music was when Anthony conversed with the audience, explaining his skillful technique and the creative forces that drives his work.
It was a delightful evening, as always at Ravinia. A note to those who stay away in the cold months, treat yourself sometime to Ravinia in the Fall and Winter, the talent is spectacular and it really lets you see and enjoy the park without the massive summer crowds.

Reviewed by Joseph Paul