Randy Cannon Power Trio
Artist profile by Alex Pithie
The great Leonard Feather once said in print: “Randy Cannon is a pianist of formidable gifts, with rich dynamic variety and consistent rhythmic sensitivity”.
A local fan here once said: “This dude is awesome! Are you sure he only has ten fingers?”
Randy, one of Bangkok’s most loved jazz musicians, has been playing since the age of 14 after “graduating” as a student of jazz legend Horace Silver, a very gifted jazz pianist and composer who ranks among the greatest ever on the contemporary jazz ivories.
With this education under his belt, Cannon set off with hope and a fair wind behind him, to be a live performer rather than a studio musician, and soon established himself as a household name in jazz circles in Oregon, Los Angeles and Hawaii. Randy began his professional career at age 17, performing throughout California with numerous combos, big bands and orchestras, including the Grammy-nominated Bill Holman Big Band.
By the time he was 19, he had accepted a position as music director, conductor and pianist with a cruise line, and on and off for the next 12 years he travelled the world with various different cruise lines, developing and honing his awesome jazz chops.
He then spent six years living in Hawaii performing live and on television with many entertainers such as Bob Hope, George Benson, Don Ho, Toots Thielemans and David Liebman. Moving back to Los Angeles, he wrote music for movies and television and performed on ABC television’s ‘Hotel’, ‘The Love Boat’ and ‘Falcon Crest’. He also appeared and composed music for Orion Picture’s ‘No Man’s Land’.
Moving on to Portland, Oregon and residing there for 8 years, he performed with virtually every notable musician and jazz venue in town and he toured on festivals with the famed jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, also appearing with the likes of David Sanborn, Al Jarreau, Diane Reeves and John Scofield. More recently he performed with the renowned Jazz vocalist Nancy King who also appears on Ray Brown’s last album ‘Some of my best friends are singers’. In 1997 Randy expanded into the realm of record producing and produced one for his brother, trumpeter, Steve Cannon who often joins him on gigs.
Randy is currently in residence Saturday afternoons and Sunday and Monday evenings at the Living Room at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok.
Editor’s Update: Randy Cannon is also scheduled to appear at the Hua Hin Jazz Festival this weekend.
November 18th, 2005 at 8:00 am
Please send this to Randy Cannon, as he is my first cousins, son, so that would make him my 2nd cousin….so tell him I say jabbo says hi too
December 17th, 2005 at 2:40 pm
randy cannon swings hardd he’s a monster and a master
chris sweeney is one of the greatest drummers ever and
Nong Pong has been blessed by the Lord with the gift of jazz
NO DOUBT!!!
Signed des ‘aminal’ mckenna
Australia’s 3rd greatest drummer and almost the Quietest
January 1st, 2006 at 1:11 pm
Randy,
Happy New Year! Ain’t heard a better jazz pianist!!
send me a mail!! The land of the raising sun is calling!!
Sayonara!!
August 4th, 2006 at 3:16 am
Dear Randy,
Your jazz influence has inspired our daughter to go beyond anything we could have imagined. She sees herself in a world of music thanks to you. Keep in touch and look us up anytime you are in A-Dam.
Love you dearly,
Vic and Eileen Ferreira
August 24th, 2006 at 11:13 am
Does Randy have any music on CD available? I enjoyed hearing him and his group play at the Sheraton.
Thanks, Tom
October 31st, 2006 at 10:15 am
randy cannon, pleazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz contact your cousin.
Thanks
Ray
March 14th, 2007 at 9:06 am
Big fan of Randy - this guy is a real genius. I have listened to jazz all over the world . . . Blue Notes, Blues Alleys, Paris, London . . . I really need to give this guy a super thumbs up. So, pack you gears and visit him at the Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit - you will be in for a real treat. Ask the band for some of the more upbeat tunes - you will enjoy it!
March 25th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Brother Randy I miss you.I have moved my wife and kids to Michigan and you are still in my thought and prayers if you read this email me at victorjuarez@myway.com Peace and One love Vic
April 17th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Hey Randy,
I hope this message gets to you. What’s happening? What a great time we had in Jan.! Miss you, miss Bangkok. I may be back in July.
Had trouble reaching you by phone. Please email me when you can.
Sa Wa Di Kap
Paul Kreibich
April 19th, 2007 at 9:31 am
Randy…Portland sends all the best your way…Steen, Akbar, Mel, Thara, Balmer, Sweet Baby James and all the rest of us wish you well. I may come that way one day (I used to live in Bangkok and speak Thai). You’re still a monster on the keys and in real life… Mario DePriest…
May 5th, 2007 at 12:01 am
Randy,
Long time brother! How has the world been treating you? I am sure you are playing your ass off as usual! Tim Gilson sends his best. I have been working with Tim and Mel every weekend for several years now. I’ll be sure to let them know about this message page.
Some sad news to share with you: Akbar Depriest passed away on May 2nd. His groove will truly be missed. He gave me one of my first gigs in Denver, Colorado back in the 70’s.
Keep up the good journey and stay well…
Jof Lee
June 8th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Well, Randy… It looks like you are missed here in the states! All these well wishers leads me to believe it is time for a visit to Portland!
I heard a rumor that Paul may be hanging out with you. If he is, tell him I said hi and I sent an email to the only address I had (hears hopin’).
Big hugs, Randy. I hope your life is full of happiness and peace.
Jen
March 16th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Randy:
Keep the flame burning. I’m still doing the super paranoia. Making a few honest sounds on guitar.
Cheers,
Roger
March 19th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Randy:
I forgot my email: roger_feldman@hotmail.com. Hope to hear from you sometime.
-Roger
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Hey Randy,
Are you guys still together? Trying to get hold of Chris The Sween; any contacts?
Mee (+66 8 6677 6456)
September 9th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Randy,
As always, was great to “Hang” with you for the day… You need more of those “Vacation” type Days off…. E-mail as soon as you get your computer back up and going…. phfrancom@aol.com
Paul