A very relaxed Mike Hatchard introduced his varied programme of jazz and classical piano pieces with his usual dry sense of humour. Then played some of the most demanding, beautiful and exciting piano compositions. The evening showcased his exceptional talent and versatility as a pianist.

Mike may be best known as the host and lead musician in his “Jazz Breakfasts” which he holds on a monthly basis in Hastings, Bexhill and Shoreham. But he is also a composer and song writer, and performs shows with music as a key ingredient. He will shortly be appearing at the Edinburgh fringe and in Sussex venues in Ludwig, in which he will play the role of Beethoven and perform some of Beethoven’s music too. Quite recently he has developed a passion for improvising instant piano music to accompany old silent films by Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and others. Searching for “Hatchard” on www.wegotickets.com will bring up details of some of his current musical activities.

Mike started the concert with Chopin’s sparkling Fantaisie Impromptu in C Sharp Minor. His programme included Beethoven and Bach. He ended the first half with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin’s jazz piano evocation of the frantic nature of twentieth century life – with its excitement, setbacks, hesitations, racing pace and times of harmony too.

Mike Hatchard’s programme continued in the second half with more jazz content, a piano piece of his own and the exhilarating Steeplechase Rag. He sang A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square and the very touching Jacques Brel song, Sons, about the common experience of parents who, in some way, all lose their sons.

Sons of true love or sons of regret
All of the sons you cannot forget
Some built the roads, some wrote the poems
Some went to war, some never came home.

It was an exceptional concert that those who were there will long remember.

The video on YouTube of Mike playing Chopin’s Fantaisie Impromptu is of a much earlier performance with an improvisation at the end.