Statesman Journal: “Delighted to Play Classical Jazz that Pops,” featuring pianist Thomas Otten at 2 p.m. March 13 at 869 W Main St., Silverton [Oregon]

 The H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) Homepage is at: 

http://www.hleslieadams.com  H. Leslie Adams 

is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a 

comprehensive Works List by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma,

 http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com

Thomas Otten

(Courtesy of Gordon House)

Statesman Journal

Salem, Oregon

Piano concert at Gordon House March 13

Tom Mayhall Rastrelli, Statesman Journal 

February 29, 2016

Frank Lloyd Wright advised owners of the homes he designed to include a baby grand piano in the living room. And now the Gordon House will resonate with a piano concert, “Delighted to Play Classical Jazz that Pops,” featuring pianist Thomas Otten at 2 p.m. March 13 at 869 W Main St., Silverton.

Otten chairs the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s piano division and has performed internationally. At Gordon House, he will perform the études of American composer H. Leslie Adams. Études are musical pieces that address specific technical and musical challenges. Adams’ classically rooted études incorporate jazz and pop music.

“It’s highly melodic and gorgeously crafted in terms of sonority and texture, invoking a sound world where Rachmaninoff meets Burt Bacharach,” Otten said. “We need music of our time with which people can connect on a personal, meaningful level. Leslie’s music fits the bill in a big way.”