Pianist/Composer Dustin O’Halloran Live on KCRW

One of the great joys of listening to KCRW – both as a fan and as someone employed by the station – is being exposed to music I wouldn’t hear otherwise. I’m pretty much a straight up rock girl. I mean, I wear a Rolling Stones belt buckle. But I have found a whole other side to my musical tastes thanks to the station’s DJs, particularly when it comes to classical music. More specifically, a great appreciation for the piano.

Without KCRW, I would have never known Erik Satie’s “Gymnopédies No 1,” Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “Reversing,” or Hauschka, whose placement of ping pong balls, plastic necklaces and various other toys on his piano strings forever changed my way of looking at the instrument.

Dustin O'Halloran and Chris Douridas

Another favorite is Dustin O’Halloran, who was first introduced to the KCRW audience as half of the indie rock duo Devics (interestingly enough, he met the other half, singer Sara Lov, at Santa Monica College where KCRW is based).

His career as a solo pianist was accidental. He was writing songs that were very personal and was hesitant to put them out until he was convinced otherwise. Now, with a few albums under his belt, and work on scores for films like Marie Antoinette and An American Affair, it’s clear he’s found his calling. In fact, he composed the score for the film “Like Crazy” which won the Grand Jury prize at Sundance this year (and will be out October 28).

Dustin brought a string quartet into KCRW’s studios to record a gorgeous set of music which aired on DJ Chris Douridas’ show this past Saturday, including songs from his new album “Lumiere”.

No matter what your tastes, I highly recommend you give a listen to this moving set of music.

RR

Dustin O’Halloran Live on KCRW Set List

Opus #28

We Move Lightly

Quintette N. 1

Fragile N. 4

Prelude N. 2

Opus 54