Rick Germanson

When: 2/14/08
Where: Ruth's Chris, New York City
Who: Rick Germanson, piano

Rick Germanson is a fine jazz pianist and a genuinely nice guy. In addition to playing Manhattan clubs including Sweet Rhythm, Birdland, the Iridium, and Smalls, he tours Europe with people like Pat Martino, Wayne Escoffrey, and Regina Carter. Occasionally he comes our way for a weekend at the Artists' Quarter and to visit his parents in Milwaukee. He has a regular gig at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse on W. 51st street off 7th Ave. We're in the habit of finding out if he's there, then going to see him and having dinner at the bar. This time we heard some lovely Monk.

Rick has released two fine CDs as a leader, You Tell Me (2005) and Heights (2003), and has recorded as a sideman with Louis Hayes, Jeremy Pelt, Escoffrey, and others. He played piano for Carole Martin's Songs from My Heart, recorded live at the AQ. A CD of torch songs—"Going Back to Joe's," "Canadian Sunset," "Cry Me a River"—it's one of my favorites.

Photo from Rick Germanson's Web site.