When the second half of the concert began, Tommy Banks stopped the show to recount what he claimed was the most embarrassing moment of his musical career. It should come as no surprise that Armas was involved. Many years ago, at a rehearsal in Montreal for the Michel Legrand concert, Tommy Banks was conducting the orchestra and Armas was the accompanying pianist. Since the music to be played was more jazz style than classical, Tommy Banks, not knowing who Armas was, assumed him to be just another ordinary classical pianist. He, therefore, decided it would be a good idea to go over and show Armas how he should play the piano for the performance. As Tommy Banks himself, admits, his demonstration was rather mediocre and then Armas proceeded to play and asked Tommy Banks if that is how the music should be played. Tommy Banks was left speechless and mesmerized. He then found out who Armas was and ever since has regarded Armas as a mentor and musical hero. After telling the story, he introduced Armas to the audience who gave him a nice round of applause.
However, our story does not end here. Jens Lindemann, the trumpeter, who was also acting as emcee of the concert, came up to Armas and insisted he come up on stage and perform. Despite Armas's initial resistance, Tommy Banks and Jens Lindemann persisted and convinced Armas to play. Armas sat down at the piano and gave an impromptu performance of a jazz-blues number, which brought the whole audience to its feet for a prolonged standing ovation. Maybe for Armas this was just another evening at a concert, but for the rest of us it was a memorable happening. Magical moments in music are most often totally spontaneous. And Armas Maiste keeps providing them.
Tõnu Onu
