Sam Rudin is an extraordinary pianist, with lightning-fast fingers, sure-handed clarity, and the rhythmic intensity of an entire band. He is also a compelling vocalist whose rough-hewn voice conveys both drama and humor. And he is an exciting, high-energy performer, whose enthusisasm on stage is as clear as his love for the blues, jazz, and country traditions from which his music comes. Sam attacks and caresses the keyboard, romping through the whole range of 20th century American music. He can evoke the spirit of Fats Waller, Oscar Peterson, Mose Alison, and Jerry Lee Lewis...sometimes all at the same time. As great as his musical talents are, his public relations abilities are quite the opposite, so although he has a devoted regional following, and although a few journalists have sung his praises*, Sam has never figured out how to parlay his art into a high profile career. As a result, his recordings have about them a sense of unexpected discovery. Here is a unique and wide-ranging approach to Americana that piano fans, in particular, will want to share. Sam’s first CD, “Piano Madness”, includes 6 solo cuts, 4 with the full band, 1 with a trio featuring Mike Marshall (mandolin) and Daryl Anger (violin) , and 1 duet with Norton Buffalo (harmonica). 10 of the 12 tunes feature Sam’s vocals. There are 6 songs that are some kind of blues, at least 4 where the word jazz would make sense, 3 that are certainly rock, 3 that are surely pop, 2 that are undeniably country, and if that adds up to more than 12, well, that’s just how it is. *"A master of musical Americana...his scope is near limitless...enormous talent. -- Lee Hildebrand, East Bay Express * "One of the most unique and accomplished pianists on the planet." --Albert Salerno, Bay Area Music (BAM)