In 2008/09 James Rhodes saw his profile go from complete unknown to rising star, attracting celebrity followers including Stephen Fry and Sir David Tang. He swiftly went on to headline London’s historical Roundhouse, where he was the first classical pianist to perform since its re-opening.
In 2010 he made his television debut in the BBC Four documentary Chopin: The Women Behind the Music and in 2011 James went on to present and perform in his very own television series James Rhodes: Piano Man on Sky Arts.
This new disc – recorded live at The Old Market theatre in Brighton – captures the energy of Rhodes in concert as he performs and entertainingly discusses works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninov and more in this 85-minute programme.
Beneath the showmanship is real substance; what Rhodes has to say- and play- is infinitely interesting, pertinent and amusing, and will speak to a new audience – International Piano Magazine
Hearing an audience laugh at a concert pianist’s jokes is a new experience, and compels me to find more, to attend actual concerts, or even to pick up my dusty old violin – Hive Magazine
Rhodes obviously has it in him to be a persuasive Beethoven interpreter. Whatever persona Rhodes chooses to cultivate in terms of presentation, he certainly is a serious musician – Gramophone
