The previous two Saturday mornings on BBC Radio 4 have seen the airing of the first two episodes of our three part documentary, Piano Pilgrimage. Presented by Jamie Cullum, the series looks at the piano's place in social history, education and even the country's economy. The making of the programmes took Jamie and the Folded Wing production team across the UK, from Camden Town, to Yorkshire, to Derry-Londonderry to tell the story of the instrument's place in our society.?The final episode airs tomorrow, Saturday 18th January, on BBC Radio 4 at 10:30am, and to celebrate, the Folded Wing team have all picked their favourite songs featuring pianos. We'd love to hear your favourites too - get in touch on twitter @FoldedWingUK, or on our Facebook page.
Karen's Choice?
Erroll Garner - 'The Most Happy Piano' LP
"Wow, so so hard to pick my favourite song with a piano. So many to choose from, from Herbie Hancock & Dave Brubeck, that I couldn't pick, so I decided to pick an album that makes me smile the most, Erroll Garner's 'The Most Happy Piano'. It really sounds like the most happy piano in the world and I love how you can hear Erroll Garner humming and smiling along as he plays the track. Here's a track from the album."
Pete's Choice?
Regina Spektor - 'Samson'
"I played this in my performance exam for my music AS Level; it was my favourite song to play in my piano lessons. I just think the whole song is beautiful. I loved playing the chord progression on its own, but with the melody over the top, it was one of the most fun but delicate songs to play... it's just a great song!"
Jim's Choice
Herbie Hancock - 'Speak Like A Child'?
"The Master! So many Herbie tracks I could have picked but I always go back to this one... there's something very soothing and warm-feeling about this track. Perfect for winter nights in front of the fire with a bottle of wine."
Ian's Choice
?Bill Evans - 'Make Someone Happy'?
"One of the joys of working with someone like Jamie Cullum is that he introduces you to music and artists that you might have overlooked. For me, one of those artists is Bill Evans - who I was aware of, but hadn't really appreciated. His version of 'Make Someone Happy', with Tony Bennett on vocals, has become one of my favourite tracks of all time. No YouTube version of that unfortunately, but there is a beautiful solo piano version by Bill here."
Andrea's Choice
?Phillip Glass - 'Metamorphosis'?
"I love how each one takes you deeper on a wonderful journey into piano playing. I don't have a favourite but here's 'Number 1' to get you started."
Robin's Choice
?Mulgrew Miller - 'Dreamsville'?
"I discovered this arrangement of the Henri Mancini composition days after Mulgrew Miller sadly passed away in May last year. It sums up the intimacy and overall warmth that can be made through a single musical instrument. One of many underrated jazz piano recordings."
Lucy's Choice?
The White Stripes - 'I'm Finding It Harder To Be A Gentleman'?
"Piano isn't the first instrument that comes to mind when you think of Jack White; he's more widely revered for his impressive axe wielding. But the hypnotic, thumping piano parts to early White Stripes, like this track from 2001's White Blood Cells, lend a depth to the music that wouldn't be there with guitar alone."
