Judy Carmichael has been to Springfield many times. She came often as a child to see relatives. But the renowned jazz pianist has never played a show in the city. That is, until this Friday night. Judy Carmichael, who also hosts the program Jazz Inspired that airs here on WUIS, will perform at the Sangamon Auditorium.
She's known as an accomplished stride player and her shows include original work as well as that of such legends as Count Basie, Fats Waller and Gerhswin.
Carmichael's success came with hard work. One of her earlier jobs was as ragtime piano player at Disneyland. "It was great for building up chops, as musicians say, because I would usually work 5 days a week, 7 hours a day playing solo piano," Carmichael said. "I was there at a very fortunate time because the big bands would come out in the summer. "
"I was there in the late 70's and early 80's, so I got to hear these people in person, which I normally wouldn't have had that opportunity. So it was a great gig."
Carmichael's latest CD "I Love Being Here With You" is her first all-vocal release.
