Jazz pianist
and composer Chan Hall’s soothing grooves provide a vibrant, expansive
landscape of poetry in motion; influenced by Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Chick
Corea, and George Benson.
His 2011 debut album Dreaming Afterdark has gained buzz
throughout the mid-Atlantic jazz community. The project was the culmination of a
lifetime of dreams deferred for this jazz keyboardist. And now Chan Hall has released his latest entitled "Musical Addiction" which is a blend of smooth jazz and chill grooves to surely please the ears.
A native of
Wilson, North Carolina, William “Chan” Hall started playing the piano by ear at
the age of 15. But it was playing basketball that ruled his teenage years. He
dreamed of becoming a superstar athlete at North Carolina State University. At
the same time, he was a standout percussionist in his high school concert band.
He was featured on the xylophone, vibes, marimba, bass drum, and auxiliary
percussion instruments. During those years, his band instructor introduced him
to jazz music. He instantly fell in love and even more so when the possibility
of playing college basketball vanished. “I got so excited because jazz music is
American history. It is European harmonies over African rhythms which make it
the most diverse music form in the world. Jazz is free and open for
interpretation. The rules can be bent and it is alright,” says Chan.
It was not
until a later move to Richmond, Virginia that he took playing the piano and
jazz music more seriously. Months of formal classical training followed by
private jazz lessons created the genesis of Chan’s distinctive sound.
Enrollment in the Jazz Academy at Pine Camp under the direction of world-class
jazz saxophonist James “Saxsmo” Gates was the most grueling test of his skills.
During Jazz Academy, Chan learned to play with a group of talented musicians as
well as further develop his knowledge of music theory. He later went on to
study classical music at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.
Outside of
formal lessons, Chan was even more determined to teach himself. He spent many
nights and early mornings mirroring the styles of Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock,
George Duke, Jeff Lorber, Robert Glasper, and George Benson. “I am influenced
by all of these artists. They all share an art for chord voicing. Plus they
have an ability to play emotionally. I wanted to add their strengths to my own
style. Listening to them allowed me to think outside of the box,” says Chan.
After
playing with various ensembles, including Love Logic, The Santamaria Brothers,
Cool Breeze, and Chan’s Elements, he decided to break out on his own. In 2009,
a self-reflective talk with his mother caused him to consider a solo project.
Shortly after the talk, a debilitating work injury resulted in two weeks off
the job. “I started thinking a lot during that time. My mom’s words marinated
in my mind. My belief about a solo project grew. I could see my life as an
artist versus working so hard at a job I didn’t love,” says Chan.
William “Chan”
Hall has played for the Richmond Boy’s Choir, blues vocalist Lady E, and
numerous churches in Richmond, Virginia. He has also performed on WTVR- CBS 6
Virginia This Morning, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and Macy’s.
“My dream of
being a jazz musician used to only happen after dark. Now it is happening in
the daylight. This is real and I love it”
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