Maria Schneider Writes for Frank Kimbrough

Fans of the pianist Frank Kimbrough and people who knew him, loved his music, appreciated his teaching as well as how he instantly made you feel at ease while talking to him (even if it was the first time, read this missive from Maria Schneider.

Photo: Dave Kaufman

With deepest sadness I’m writing you all to say that our beloved friend, pianist, collaborator, Frank Kimbrough, passed away on December 30th.  It’s been a shock to so many.  Critic Nate Chinen’s obituary described Frank’s mastery perfectly: "a pianist of unerring taste and touch, a composer drawn to flowing ethereality, and an improviser steeped in the art of epiphany.”

Many of you have experienced his transcendent improvised introductions in concert – every intro entirely unique with spellbinding beauty, creativity, assuredness and fearlessness.  His art thrived on that vulnerable razor edge of the moment.  Frank’s own gorgeous recordings include: Solstice, Play, Rumors, Air, and the astounding box set, Monk’s Dreams (recording every Monk tune).  You can purchase those CDs of his and more, and they are all available on Spotify as well.   

Frank didn’t own a cellphone.  He practiced music walking in the park.  He prioritized his life around the things he felt truly important.  He had a heart of gold.  I would like to be more like Frank.

A revered and devoted teacher at Juilliard, Frank loved his students – I mean LOVED his students. So, there’s no better way to keep his legacy alive than through "The Frank Kimbrough Jazz Scholarship" being instated at Juilliard.  If you’d wish to make a tax-deductible contribution it can be done in several ways:

1. Online contribution: Go to https://giving.juilliard.edu.  Select designation ‘Juilliard Scholarship Fund’ and make sure to note in the comments, “Frank Kimbrough Jazz Scholarship.” 
2. For credit card contributions by phone, simply call: 917-834-4552.
3. Mail contribution:  Checks payable to The Juilliard School (with “Frank Kimbrough Jazz Scholarship” written in the memo line) can be sent to: 
      The Juilliard School 
      Attn: Mary Yeatts, Associate Director of Major Gifts 
      60 Lincoln Center Plaza
      New York NY 10023
4. Contributions by bank transfer (securities and wire transfers) 
Contact: Mary Yeatts, Associate Director of Major Gifts, Development Department: 
      Email: myeatts@juilliard.edu 
      Phone: 917-834-4552
5. For any questions at all, contact Mary Yeatts, myeatts@juilliard.edu.  Again, it’s very important to make sure your gift is earmarked to the Frank Kimbrough Jazz Scholarship.

We’ve kept our special video up on the front page of www.mariaschneider.com that we made as we missed this year’s Jazz Standard Thanksgiving week.  There’s beautiful footage of Frank in the video.  Frank was the first person to tell me about the Jazz Standard when it opened way back when, and it was he who encouraged me to try to book the band there.  Covid circumstances have forced the Standard’s closing.  As memories from that room abound, so many of them have Frank at the center.  Those musical and very cherished moments of camaraderie are golden for me and for the band, and I know for so many of you as well.  After the club announced its closing, Frank wrote to me and to the band: “If there's anyone on Earth that can make this joint come back, it's Danny Meyer.  Let's be grateful for all the Standard did for us individually and as a band, and hope for the best going forward - never say die, say damn, and keep on keepin' on.  I love you all, and hope to see you soon - Best, FK.”  

We love you, Frank.

Love and good things to you all in this new year.  Keep on keepin’ on.  

Maria