Lafayette Gilchrist is a piano star based in Baltimore. Born in Washington, DC, Gilchrist taught himself piano at the age of 17 and has been writing and playing his own style of Jazz-inspired music since. The pianist first entered the national jazz scene as a leader in 2004 with the release of his album, The Music According To Lafayette Gilchrist. Gilchrist has developed a signature sound and his authenticity is evident on and off stage. He tours locally, nationally and internationally.
CHARMED | What were some of your favorite artists growing up?
LAFAYETTE | I grew up in DC; I liked the area because we had our own
home grown music. You could go to Takoma Park and Langley Park and hear
Go Go bands for free - Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers, Rare Essence, Junk Yard Band, and Reds and the Boys were some of my favorites.
CHARMED | When and how did you start playing the piano?
LAFAYETTE | I didn’t think I was college material, but I took the SAT’s and
scored well. My score was good enough to get into University of Maryland
under the condition I take an English class in Summer School. The summer
school English classes were held in the Fine Arts building. I would wander
in and out and tinker with the pianos they had in the building. I wandered
into the recital hall one day and there was a big Steinway in the middle of
the stage. There were no lights anywhere except for one spot light on the
piano – I’m not embellishing, that’s really how it was! I sat down, it drew
me in and it worked. I’ve played the piano everyday since that moment.
CHARMED | It’s been said that you play your own, unique brand of jazz –what does that mean?
LAFAYETTE | For me, it’s not about sounding a particular way, but about
mastering a particular sound. I fall into the category of jazz because I draw
from the elements of jazz. In the commercial market, if you don’t have
a singer in front of the instruments you’re categorized as jazz.
CHARMED | Who are some of your favorite local artists?
LAFAYETTE | Ann Watts, Warren Wolfe, Craig Austin, Photo Ground, and
Avn Guard Band.
CHARMED | Where are you favorite places to play?
LAFAYETTE | Creative Alliance - great space. I love Kristin and Megan and
everybody. Omni Music on Charles Street by the Peabody; Eden’s Lounge has been doing good stuff. The New Haven Lounge is always a favorite. There aren’t many places to play anymore.
CHARMED | How did your music end up on The Wire soundtrack?
LAFAYETTE | I wrote the music ‘Assume the Position’ in ’96 or ’97 – was used for a small scene on the show. I had sent The Wire
packages of my stuff many times, but didn’t get a response – I had
given up. Then, David Simon (Executive Producer, Writer, Series
Creator) heard me interviewed on NPR, and I had a message from my rep
while I was on tour in Paris about The Wire.
UPCOMING SHOWS|
January 9 @ 10pm
The Wind Up Space| 12 W. North Ave.|410.244.8855| www.thewindupspace.com
February 27 @ 8pm
The Patterson| 3134 Eastern Ave| 410.276.1651| www.creativealliance.org
