It seems like a long time until Christmas, but it has a way of sneaking up on us gradually until suddenly it’s upon us. If you want to be ready to play some Christmas carols, get out your carol books and start reviewing, and then come up with some new arrangements for an old carol to make it sound more interesting.
Continue reading →There are literally millions of adults today who took piano lessons when they were growing up, but at some point along the way gave them up. Some couldn’t care less, but many have an urge down deep to take up piano playing again someday.
Continue reading →Last evening Bev & I drove over to the band shell in Lithia Park in Ashland to hear one of the Air Force Bands. This particular unit was from the bay area of California, and included some outstanding musicians and arrangers. If you think of military bands as groups that simply play marches, you’re in for a real surprise. They play marches, classics, pop, jazz & more, and have fun doing it.
Continue reading →It’s hard to describe, but there’s something wonderfully delicious about listening, playing, worshipping, or just enjoying the beauties of creation outdoors while you soak in the music.
Try it. You’ll like it.
Continue reading →George Shearing was born blind on August 13, 1919, but his life has been fast-paced and full of accomplishments. Born in London, Shearing was the youngest of nine children and went on to create one of the most recognized sounds in jazz.
Continue reading →Andre Previn is a German-born pianist, conductor, and composer. From arranging and composing Hollywood film scores to his multiple marriages which sparked many musical inspirations, Andre Previn’s life was never dull. I can still remember the excitment of hearing him … Continue reading →
Gospel jazz played by the great Pat Moran.
Continue reading →From his early love of music to his last years, Oscar Peterson’s life was full with accomplishments and support from his family. The decision to become a professional pianist led to a weekly radio show and many performances in hotels and music halls for Peterson.
Although his life ended at the age of 82, Oscar Peterson had a productive career that ended too quickly.
Most people don’t realize that they could learn how to be a “prophet” — see into the future — and tell all these things about almost any song:
What’s the most likely chord for the song to start on:
What’s the most likely chord for the song to end on:
What the three most likely chords in any song are:
Continue reading →Do You Think There Was a Fake Piano at the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics?
Sure makes me wonder, the way the piano was jiggling like it was made of cardboard or plastic — real pianos don’t normally dance…plus, the pedal action looked suspicious.
I don’t know for sure, and maybe we’ll never know. What do you think?
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