Name: Beka Gochiashvili
Age: 17 years old
Birthplace: Republic of Georgia
Instrument: Piano
Education: Juilliard
What brings you to the states?
“To make my living in music.”
When did you start playing with Stanley?
“My first gig with Stanley was at the Blue Note for a week with Lenny White in 2012. I was sixteen.”
How has your experience been playing with Stanley and Mike Mitchell?
It’s a great experience to be with Stanley. It’s a great experience to hang with the legends like Stanley and Lenny White. I’m excited to be working with Mike at the beginning of his career because he’s already a great drummer and is only going to get better. We’re both getting great experience with Stanley. Stanley is following a jazz tradition to help out young great musicians and for that I am very grateful.
What do you like about playing with Stanley?
He’s Stanley Clarke! I don’t feel that there is an age difference, I love his openness, I love his sense of humor. He jokes like he plays! It’s almost the same level. He’s a great person. I love him so much as a person and a musician. I love and respect everyone Stanley is surrounded by.
What’s one of your favorite songs?
I love Brazilian Love Affair by George Duke. It’s a huge responsibility for me to play that song because I’m filling in his spot! So every single note, I dedicate to him when I’m playing that song.
Anything else you would like to say to the fans?
My every note is dedicated to Georgian people, for my country. They’re my pride, I’m proud to be Georgian. I want to thank these people for supporting me and supporting each other.
(Check out Beka’s self titled album available now!)
