He was played to audiences across the globe and now he’s coming back to Westlock.
The multi-talented and multi-award winning singer, composer and pianist Michael Kaeshammer is bringing his multi-genre musical act to town next Friday, and it promises to be a boogie-woogie good time.
“It has been 20 years since I was in Westlock the last time. I’m very much looking forward to a return visit.”
Kaeshammer is known for his energy and prowess on the piano, but it’s hard to peg him down to one style of music as he brings his own brand of jazz, blues, R&B and boogie-woogie to every stage he plays.
The German-born, now Vancouver Island-based virtuoso credits his father for introducing him to such an eclectic variety of music.
He takes to the stage at the CATS Theatre Friday Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at The Flower Shoppe.
“All my interest in different styles of music comes from my father’s record collection growing up. To me it just sounds like my own style because I play the piano the way I want to hear it, all those styles are music genres I’m personally interested in,” Kaeshammer said.
“Of course there are many different pianists, songwriters and other artists that have influenced me, but my father was my biggest musical influence and life is my biggest influence in writing.”
Kaeshammer is touring in support of his latest album No Filter, which has drawn praise from critics and fans alike. The tour has led him all the way to China, the U.S. and Europe in the last six months.
Kaeshammer says he strives to make a connection with whatever audience is in front of him, whether he’s in a booming metropolis or a small town like Westlock.
“The actual performance is the same everywhere, it’s all about connecting with the audience that is in front of you, like talking to a person. The thrill comes when you explore the local areas or meet local people or eat at local restaurants. Small town Alberta is just as thrilling as a metropolis in China, as long as you see the beauty in everything, there is no comparisons,” he said.
Kaeshammer was awarded the Western Canadian Music Awards’ Jazz Artist of the Year in 2017 and he also won a Juno in 2008 for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year for his album Days Like These. He is also working on his forthcoming 2018 album Something New, expected in April.
