Jazz legends Cecil, Beekman team up for concert
The Daily Mail
Jan. 9, 2009

Lillian Johnson is welcoming the new year in a new location with a jazz concert Saturday night featuring two renowned artists, bassist-producer Malcolm Cecil and vocalist-guitarist Perry Beekman.

Johnson moved her pottery workshop, Imagine That, to 397 Main St. at the close of 2008. The move was the first of many changes she will make this year.

The new space is much larger than her old space, which was across the street. The store’s green, salmon and blue walls and colorful floor entice customers to come in and let their creativity show.

“The future seems to feel brighter and better,” she said.

And that is cause for a celebration, she said.

Cecil has been the principal bassist for the BBC Radio Orchestra and was the resident bassist at the Ronnie Scott Jazz Club in London. Cecil won a Grammy Award in 1974 for engineering and producing Stevie Wonder’s album “Innervisions.” Cecil, who also plays the synthesizer, has recorded albums with Stan Getz and Roland “Rahassn” Kirk. He has been featured on albums by such diverse artists as the Isley Brothers, Joan Baez, Little Feat and Gil Scott-Heron.

Cecil will be joined by Beekman, who has played venues in New York City and the Hudson Valley.

Beekman’s music is deeply rooted in the classic tradition of jazz and his repertoire includes songs from the Great American Songbook, which have also been performed by Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole and Mel Torme.

Imagine That’s night of music runs from 5 to 8 p.m.

The shop, where people can paint their own pottery, will soon offer more craftworks, like hot glass, mosaics and ceramics. Johnson will also begin hosting children’s programs, club meetings and corporate team building workshops. Other new featured events will include tea parties and Diva Nights.