Re: Benefit concert for David Walters:

David Walters taught my daughter, Jodie, and me piano at Cadek for several years before he had to retire because of a congenital liver condition. David now needs a liver transplant and needs the community's support.

David is a remarkable pianist and teacher - most piano teachers focus on just classical or perhaps jazz. Most do not play in venues outside the school at which they teach. David could play, teach, and perform both classical and jazz in an exceptional manner. I remember the concert when he played Chopin's Sonata, opus 35, followed by a Hindemith Sonata (no easy task in and of itself) and then brought out his Dave Walters' Jazz Trio for an hour or more of jazz. Few have his breadth of ability and insight.

Now is the time for all who love music and the piano, in particular, to honor this extraordinary talent among us. Please attend this event or if you can't be there, contact the sponsors to give David your support.

Christian Lanier
Lanierlaw@comcast.net

A benefit concert will be held for David Walters, former UTC piano professor currently waiting on a liver transplant.

It will be at Rhythm and Brews on Thursday at 8 p.m.

Cost is $10 (100% of ticket costs go directly to the David Walters Fund)

Performances by:
Kathy Tugman & friends
Tumbleweed
Dan Landrum
Justin Karpinos and Josh Edwards

* * *

I have also been the beneficiary of Dave Walter's suberb talent and gifted teaching ability.

I headed up the local jazz association in Chattanooga for several years, and it soon became apparent that Dave is one of the top talents in the area. My principal exposure to his performing was in a duo with singer Richarde, usually at the old Southside Jazz Junction, and these two men delivered some of the best live music on a regular basis ever provided in this city. Renditions of "Where is Love" "Girl from Impanema" "Summertime" and "Route 66" will always be remembered.

Dave's versatility included playing in this duo with no bass or drums, and he was up to the challenge, providing a the necessary rhythm and bass clef to carry the song. Better yet, the minimalistic quality of the two piece combo (piano and vocal) offered a delicate, beautiful sound that I have never heard matched in a live venue.

The RiverCity Jazz association produced a Christmas CD about five years ago where Dave and Richarde were featured on a number of songs. Once again, Dave's abilities were showcased and his dreamy, cascading solo on "Christmas time is Here" is as good as anything you'll ever hear.

Dave is a great teacher. After listening to him play for several years and enjoying his friendship, I seized the opportunity to take jazz piano lessons from him.

The "strategy" behind jazz and improv was finally made clear to me, thanks to his own complete understanding of the art form and his ability to explain it clearly and patiently. I learned some really cool chords from him. Some of them got pretty funky. He liked some sounds that were a bit too far out for me. But I will always remember his maxim: the ultimate judge of whether the chord works is whether or not your ear likes it.

Finally, Dave is a humble guy in the best way - he's just polite and classy and doesn't force his personality on anyone but makes himself available to serve.. Because of the substance of his talents, he doesn't have anything to prove.

I will be out of town, otherwise I would be at the benefit concert. I encourage everyone who is able to attend. And, Dave, I wish you the best and a full recovery.

(Check out DeanArnoldsBlog.com and leave me a comment)

Dean W. Arnold
dean@deanarnold.org