Blog Archives

Bloom Festival: Evening of Jazz Dance and Music

ODUK Bloom Festival 2017 - An Evening of Jazz

The expert panel of artists for this event: Dr S. Ama Wray, Annette Walker, Jreena Green, Sean Graham, Gary Nurse, Joyce Gyimah and Gary Crosby OBE

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Posted in All News & Announcements, Events, Past, Presentations, Tap dance

Piano lessons: I-Play Music Centre

I-Play Music

From September 2016 I’ll be starting my first teaching piano/keyboard lessons at I-Play Music centre in Surrey. After many early years of classical piano study and later years studying and playing jazz, pop, gospel and other styles I’m excited to be able to pass on and share my growing knowledge and experience to others.

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Posted in All News & Announcements, Education & Teaching, Events, Music Classes, Past, Piano

CB Johnson Big Band (previously WTW Big Band)

CB Johnson directing the WTW Big Band, Arlington Sq, 2013

2020 update: The WTW Big Band was renamed the CB Johnson Big Band in 2019 in honour of the late CB “Cool” Johnson who was the Music Director for many years and an integral member of the music community. CB was a kind and generous musician and facilitator that generated a safe and nurturing environment for new and existing musicians alike and will be greatly missed. RIP CB.

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Posted in All News & Announcements, Events, Past, Piano, Projects

Gigs galore: Film, Circus, Music and Tap dance

Music notes clipart

Is it possible for me to learn a piano Latin jazz number, based on a Oscar Peterson version, and two songs in time for the debut performance of a new tap company? How about trying my hand at compering for a circus cabaret? Now seems like a good time to take on my first ever physically demanding, feature film job. And while I’m at it, why not throw in a couple of solo guest featured tap dance gigs? Let’s not forget about learning and playing the keyboard in a band for a music gig at the RFH. All in just over one month? Go!

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Posted in Events, Past, Piano, Projects, Tap dance, Theatre, Film & TV

Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts (2015)

February and March 2015 saw 2 Ellington Sacred Concerts just a week a part. Given that this is not a regularly performed concert and that I had only ever done one before it was a very unusual occurrence. Given that they fell in what became an insanely busy month here’s a little account of how they went.

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Posted in All News & Announcements, Events, Past, Projects, Tap dance

Music projects

Myke Masters Band at Hideaway Jazz Club, 4th Nov 2015

Since November 2017: Collaborating as dancer-musician with Gary Crosby of the Tomorrow’s Warriors. Since January 2015: Joins the jazz fusion group, Myke Masters Band, and also the tap dance company, Old Kent Road, both as pianist/keyboardist.

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Posted in All News & Announcements, Events, Past, Piano, Professional development, Projects, Theatre, Film & TV, Violin

Celebrating the Life of Will Gaines

Annette Walker is our featured tap dancer at Mycenae House on Friday 13th June 2014 from 8pm. With the failing health of Will Gaines – tap dancing legend from Detroit – this was scheduled as a Benefit COncert with The Honkin’ Hepcats, Mich Foster and the Phil Mead Trio. Sadly on Wednesday 7th May Will passed away. However – The Show Goes On – as Will would have wished

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Posted in All News & Announcements, Events, Past, Tap dance

Will Gaines

2008 photo of Will Gaines (80), Annette Walker (30), Frank Holder (80)

Bebop master hoofer, tap dance legend from Detroit who settled in the UK and subsequently influenced the UK jazz tap scene including the London Tap Jam. Links to obituaries, articles, videos and photos.

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Posted in All News & Announcements, Research projects, Tap dance

Applying for a Diploma in Jazz and Pop music

Goldsmiths University of London logo

How ELQs nearly scuppered my plans to study a part time Diploma in Jazz and Popular Music at Goldsmiths College (now Goldsmiths, University of London)

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Posted in Piano, Professional development, Projects

Trailblazer Fellowship Award Thank yous

Special thanks to key supporters of Annette’s Trailblazer Fellowship Award 2009-2010

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Posted in Trailblazer Fellowship

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