Billy Joel Highlights Central Park 9/11 Gathering

On a day of solemn remembrances, hometown pianist and singer Billy Joel offered a hopeful note to Central Park audiences on Sept. 11, 2002, with an unforgettable performance of his signature tune, "New York State of Mind." Joel was joined by legendary jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and members of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Complete audio of the performance is available here.

Marsalis and the Piano Man reportedly crafted the new piano-and-trumpet arrangement the very afternoon of the event, and it is has a sense of immediacy rarely found in studio recordings. The concert, which was broadcast on WNYC, also featured the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and several guest soloists including actress Meryl Street and tenor Kurt Ollman. A complete overview and audio of the event is available here.