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John Bayless as a one-handed piano player
Adele Marcus
Adele Marcus
John Bayless plucks at heartstrings in passionate performance
By Channing Gray - July 22,2017
In this world where demagogues and fools flourish, it’s a little hard to find heroes. But there’s no question that pianist John Bayless, who made a brief, heart-breaking appearance at Saturday’s installment of the Newport Music Festival, is a hero. With a grin that never quits and that signature mop of sandy hair, Bayless shuffled his way to the piano, with the aid of a walker, as his fans stood to applaud. Then he sat down at the piano for the most moving, most courageous, heartfelt hour of music I've ever encountered in more than four decades of covering classical music.
True, his playing was not always clean, but that didn’t matter. In fact, the imperfections were the most beautiful moments of the afternoon, reminding us that despite suffering what in some ways must be the cruelest blow to a pianist, his music has only become more touching. It was a journey with surging moments of passion that able-bodied pianists never reach, giving way to moments that were so simple and intimate that it was impossible to hold back tears. It took a man who refused to let adversity sideline him to connect with this amazing music as never before.
It was not about the notes, in other words, not about limitations, but about Bayless giving all he had, just opening his heart for a soul-draining hour. I’d like to think it was a life-changing hour. It certainly was a lesson, one as basic as how to play the piano, as well as how to live your life with grace and hope—an unforgettable encounter with one of my great heroes.
John Bayless - ONE HAND ONE HEART - My Life and My Music
By Mary L. Smith
John Bayless returns to his beloved New York for the World Premiere of his new show “One Hand One Heart” at Landmark On Main Street in Port Washington. John delivered a powerful, dynamic and thought-provoking performance. This one man show chronicles John’s memories of his formative years in Texas through today as a stroke survivor.
In Part I - we learn of his evolution from young prodigy to international music sensation. The audience meets John in what he referred to as Part II - the stroke survivor who fought his way back to take the stage Saturday night playing his beloved music with one hand.
John’s ability to effectively engage each member of the audience was incredible! This is what we go to the theater for! Thus began an unforgettable biographical conversation set to the music of John’s life. His monologues were honest, courageous and there wasn’t a dry eye in the theater.
John’s greatest gift remains his ability to bring joy to an audience. Anyone who has ever wished for an intimate and honest conversation with one of the great musicians of the world should add this show to their itinerary.
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John Bayless as a two-handed piano player
Brilliant pianist closes curtain on concert series
May 16, 2007
John Bayless has been acclaimed “a pianistic genius” and “a brilliant improviser” by his critics, His brilliant technique and showmanship were reminiscent of Liberace, whom Bayless credits as having had a major influence on his musical development. What is truly remarkable about this performer is his ability to interpret modern melodies in the style of the classical composers. But it was in the second half of the performance that Bayless demonstrated why he is unique among the world’s concert pianists. In an astounding display of his abilities as an improviser, he invited the audience to suggest a song for him to play—and a composer’s style in which to perform it. The first request was for “Blue Spanish Eyes” played by Chopin. Without hesitation, Bayless took his seat at the piano and performed a breathtaking version of the tune. It was as if Chopin himself had composed it. The audience—realizing they had just experienced an astoundingly gifted musician—awarded Bayless two standing ovations. He returned for an encore, a selection by Puccini, and the audience was left shaking their heads in amazement. The final show of this year’s Border Concert series certainly will be remembered as one of the
