Dave Tucker  Pianist from Alexandria, VA

Dave Tucker is available to perform as a solo pianist. However, Dave is associated with several groups for which he can provide arrangements here through GigMasters. The "Jefferson Street Strutters" is a high-energy traditional-jazz Dixieland group. "Reverie" is a trio or 5-person combo performing early jazz vocal standards (female vocalist). The Hots Dance Orchestra is a min big band performing hot jazz swing tunes from 1920s to 1940s. Dave Tucker specializes in Ragtime, Stride, and other early jazz forms. Dave is an internationally known recording and performing artist who presents an exciting array of piano music. His music is performed with great excitement, passion and emotion. Dave plays ragtime classics by Scott Joplin, Joe Lamb and many others. Stride piano works by James P Johnson, Fats Waller, Willie "The Lion" Smith, Jelly Roll Morton and others are presented with great enthusiasm. Other great forms of early American and European piano pieces are included as well (e.g. Zez Confrey, Duke Ellington, Roy Bargy...). Dave continues to add to his repertoire on a weekly basis. Dave now has hundreds of new Dixieland and early-jazz standards is his repertoire. Promotional brochures and sample CD's are available for Serious Inquiries. Dave always prefers that a tuned acoustic piano be provided by the client. However, in many situations, Dave can provide an electric full-sized keyboard and amplifier, as well as a PA system. Dave has numerous modes of "dress" including slacks & Hawaiian shirt, coat & tie, period-vest & bow-tie, and Tuxedo (with Tails!...often preferred by Dave...at no extra cost). Additional travel expenses may be required for travel over 100 miles. Dave will gladly work anywhere in the U.S. if travel expenses are met. Dave presents upbeat ragtime, Harlem Stride and other forms of early jazz piano. Therefore, the performance might be considered to be a bit different than the usual 'background piano' presented by many piano players. Dave will be happy to perform light background music for parties, receptions, etc, but expect a crowd around the piano! Your guests might want to dance and tap their feet! Dave's first CD "Tickled Ragtime & Novelties" in 2001 featured the music of Scott Joplin, Joseph Lamb, Zez Confrey and others. Recently, while expanding his ragtime repertoire, Dave has explored many other forms of early syncopated music including European novelty piano and the Harlem stride of James P. Johnson, Willie "The Lion" Smith and Fats Waller. His second CD "Meadow Lark", issued in April 2005, reflects his intense research, study and numerous experiences since first becoming a regular performer on the ragtime circuit. Meadow Lark includes songs of many styles, such as classic and modern-era ragtime, Harlem stride and other examples of early jazz piano music. Dave has performed at the International Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, the West Coast Ragtime Festival, Blind Boone Ragtime Festival, Lake Superior Ragtime Festival, Eau Claire Ragtime Festival, Alexandria Bay Ragtime/Jasstime Festival, the Northern Virginia Ragtime Society, among other numerous appearances. Dave has also conducted several ragtime presentations for school children. Dave recently joined the New Hots Swing/Jazz Orchestra as their piano player in September 2005. He maintains his "TurboRagtime" website as a central location for his music, performance schedule, pictures and other useful information.