Spotlight: Bill Cunliffe Trio

Bill Cunliffe can do it all. He's a superb pianist, Grammy-winning arranger, Grammy-nominated composer, first call accompanist to the world's best singers and a gifted educator. Now based in California, he taught at Central State University for years and interfaced with countless musicians in our region before leaving to tour with the big band/orchestras of Buddy Rich and Frank Sinatra. On the heels of his Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement for his arrangement of "West Side Story Medley" on the CD Resonance Big Band Plays Tribute To Oscar Peterson, he will appear at Gilly's on September 10 with bassist Martin Wind and pianist Bill Mays to celebrate his music in a perfect, familiar setting.

There's not much video on the web that features Bill's playing. Instead, check out his blog, which includes his experience while playing in different settings, and an interview.