Happy first day of March!! Spring is coming yay =) Here's an arrangement by Paul Cardall of Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring. It's a bit different but it is pretty =)

Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring arranged by Paul Cardall

http://www.box.com/s/sbfrqj4k3btjss9s9oyv

That was really good, ladypayne. You played it with real conviction, connecting with the music. Very well done, indeed.

Here is the first section of a short three part composition I am thinking about.

http://www.box.com/shared/9pmlecz79l

Glen

The last piano bar got away from me and I wasn't able to keep up. Hopefully this month I can stay on top of things.

Ladypayne - A very neat arrangement of this piece. I fell in love with this song at Christmas time and played it for hours. I really loved your rendition and could listen to it for hours.

Inlanding - A very nice start to your composition. Peaceful, beautiful and leaving me wanting more. Can't wait to hear the next part.

ladypayne - I'm loving the new highly stylized recordings you are doing. A Very cool arrangement powerfully and confidently played.

Inlanding - I was going to describe your piece as peaceful until I read ZoeCalgary's comment so I'll call it serene (and beautiful). Well done.

Thanks so much for the encouragement, Zoe and Bill - glad you liked it - I will continue to develop the idea.

Glen

My submission this month is a recording I did yesterday of Billy Joel's She's Always a Woman from his 1977 The Stranger album. I saw a YouTube video of a live recording he did of this and really liked it. His music desk wasn't as cluttered as mine.

Bill~
I remember when that album was released - Billy Joel was so popular then. Such memories it conjures up. You played it beautifully.

I like the slower, more thoughtful approach you give to it. Another fine performance - your repertoire is quite extensive.

Glen

ladypayne - that was an interesting rendition. Almost had a sort of scottish or irish feel I though at one point. Very nice.

Glenn - Very nice, as always. A bit different for you...had a new-agey kind of feel.

Hi,
My first post here in ABF. I took piano lessons as a child and I have started playing the piano again lately. It is so much fun!

I recently recorded the piano part of Gounod's Ave Maria (Bach's Prelude in C-Major) in A-major. I hope you like it.

BillM - this is a great rendition of a classic. Super well done as always!

Amaruk - a very nice first recording! How long did you play ad a kid? Your playing is very smooth and nice. I enjoyed it Alot.

Thanks for your kind words Zoe!

I took lessons between the age of like 8 and 12. But it is over 30 years ago now so I don't remember exactly.

Bill - That is simply fantastic! You have a great voice and play the piano with such ease!

Glen - Did you compose that??? It was amazing!! I loved it!

Ladypayne - That was great! I enjoyed it!! The recording was great too. What mic/recorder do you use by the way?

I use a zoom h1 which works great! I also use some music software that allows me to edit the audio and make it sound a bit better

Amaruk - What a lovely performance. You playing is quite smooth and expressive. Loved the video - Belated Merry Christmas to you also.

Thanks Bill!
The video is just two video greeting cards I made in 2005 stitched together. I am evaluating Final Cut Pro X at the moment and I did this as a quick test of how to use audio and video and upload to YouTube.

Bill - a great song. I wish I could play like that.
Lady payne - ditto ... I can only imagine playing like that
InLanding - I think I finally have a way to describe your style 'enigmatic ambience'
Amaruk - I generally don't listen to classical ... but I must say I enjoyed that piece.

Inlanding: That was really beautiful. Hope to hear the rest soon! You really are talented in composing your own songs.

BillM: Another beautiful song. Well played and your singing is great as always! Very enjoyable.


Amaruk: Welcome to the piano bar! You are off to a great start. Very relaxing and sounded perfect to me!

ladypayne, this is a beautiful and unique arrangement. I really enjoyed listening. Great job.

Glen, your composition is lush and beautiful. It sounds like a trek through a beautiful wilderness area.

Bill, this is some of your best work. Nice.

Amaruk, I enjoyed this. Your playing is smooth with a nice light touch.

I certainly don't want to hog the Piano Bar stage this month as I have already submitted a song, but the passing of Davy Jones of the Monkees this week was especially sad for those of us of a certain age. In my house growing up we were not allowed to watch TV during the week when the Monkees were first aired so I never got to watch their programs but I really liked their music.

Here is a subdued version I did this morning of one of the songs on which Davy Jones sang lead (according to the Washington Post most of the lead singing was done by Micky Dolenz).

Hi BillM,

Thanks for the tribute to Davy Jones. I don't think I'd ever describe myself as a Monkees fan, but being of "that age" means songs like Daydream Believer bring you back to very specific places and times. It evoked some fond remembrances and put a smile on my face.

Jim

BillM: That was really nice. Soothing to listen too. =)

Bill, I'm old enough to have watched The Monkees as a child. I enjoyed your performance. Always liked that song.

LadyPayne; That was a joyful rendition - beautiful arrangement and playing, as always!

Glen; I really enjoyed your new composition.. very meditative and soothing.

BillM; I thought Daydream Believer was a great tribute to Davy Jones, and I liked your version of She's Always A Woman even better than the original.

Amaruk: Your "Ave Maria" was mesmerizing - great job.

Here's one of my favorite piano concerto themes.. Hope you enjoy.

Theme from Piano Concerto No. 1 (Tchaikovsky)

Here is another song by composer Shi Jin-
There might be a few background noises. My kitten decided to start playing at the same time I was recording. I didn't feel like recording it again, so here it is
Also once again; the pauses are from me turning pages.

Hua De Weixiao-

http://www.box.com/s/ykkh40t9hqskotk5l9id

Elssa - loved your rendition of the Piano Concerto Number 1 - as usual you nailed it.