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I recorded the piano accompaniment in the original key of Ab and was using the recording to practice my singing. On a lark, I used Reaper to transpose it down to Eb and I really enjoyed singing it in a more laid-back register. Probably ought to slow down the tempo for an even more laid-back vibe.
The is my piano, recorded in my home, pitched down with software and then the vocal recorded in exactly the same room without moving the microphones. It's a "Mid-Side" recording using a Neumann TLM102 (Mid) and AKG Perception 420 (Side) together on each track.
Last edited by Brent H; 07/02/1307:18 AM.
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
I'm always a sucker for any Einaudi tune but I must say, based on your performance of the intro, "Indaco" is sounding like a new favorite of mine. Very lovely touch and tone Glen.
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
Scorpio, Rick, yester, and Brent H - thank you so very much for your kind words and encouragement. I hope that when I can practice again, I will finish learning to play the other two sections of Indaco and post it. I am so glad you enjoyed the improvisations.
Brent, your rendition of, The Very Thought of You, is wonderful. I am a huge Neumann fan, too. It's good to hear how nicely the TLM captures the sound of your piano and voice. The over-dub of your voice after you transposed the audio is completely transparent. I really enjoyed the accompaniment and it's clear you are listening to the music as you sing. Thank you for your music. Great work!!
Awhile back, I captured these old standards and did not write down their names. Also, the melody line got lost in the notes. The first one might be All of You, but I can't tell - oops. Not sure what the second one is, either. Hope you like the combo attempt and can identify the tunes.
That microphone is sort of a "be careful what you wish for". When I'm singing nicely it will make the sound glorious. But it's so detailed that any little rough spot or momentary slipup is RIGHT THERE too!
Long-term goal is to play and sing at the same time. But in the mean either singing or playing takes 101% of my attention. The neat thing is I record the piano part first and then I can play it in my car and practice singing on the way to and from work every day.
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
Yes, Brent, a really good microphone is very revealing. I've used the Neumann U87 for voice-over work - great fun it was.
...playing and singing is great art and skill. As you probably know, we have several Piano Bar regulars that are so great at it. I always look forward to listening/watching them play. Look forward to you sharing some of your accompaniments. I am sure if you simplify the accompaniment for your singing one of your most common tunes, we'll all get to enjoy your work, sooner than later.
I can do a "Easy Piano" version of Danny Boy and sing along. That's about where I am right now, give me a tune and words I've known for 100 years and a bog-simple piano arrangement and I can maybe fake it. That's a start!
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
Inlanding - Those low notes go on forever! Very relaxing but a tad melancholy methinks. . . good stuff! Your second crop was more easylistening; like an old time Steam Gathering. Loads o` atmosphere. I enjoy this greatly.
Brent, they don`t write `em like that anymore! The intro reminiscent of "San Francisco" - (The loveliness of Paris . . . .) All very romantic . . .nice, nice!
My mom has a large, porcelain bulldog decorating her living room (long story). Right next to her piano, as it turns out. When I did this one for her a few days ago her comment was "I think I even saw that bulldog shed a tear". High praise indeed from the bulldog!
Last edited by Brent H; 07/02/1303:54 PM.
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
Inlanding - Those low notes go on forever! Very relaxing but a tad melancholy methinks. . . good stuff! Your second crop was more easylistening; like an old time Steam Gathering. Loads o` atmosphere. I enjoy this greatly.
indeed!
Originally Posted by Brent H
That microphone is sort of a "be careful what you wish for". When I'm singing nicely it will make the sound glorious.
And you did it real nicely! I adore your power to practice singing AND playing - I practice only playing and this ist enough excessive demand for me... great, keep on!
A journey of a thousend miles begins with a single step. (Laozi) I made my first piano-step on June 2010.
Inlanding - I enjoyed your Indaco intro. You play this with restraint and style. Nothing overly flashy - just the essence of the music.
Side In was similarly restrained but was more to my liking as you gave this a few of your patented blues licks. Nice resolve at the end. As always, your piano sounds fabulous. A high quality recording.
That's a fun version. At various moments I think it's about to go into a ragtime groove...no it's a Gershwin thing...no wait it must be...PeterWS's Original!
Very cool. Makes the typical "Misty" rendition sound like a lullaby.
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
Brent H - I'm getting a message that says "Sorry! We can't find that sound" when I click your links.
Yeah, it took me 10-15 minutes to get peterws's Misty link to load. Some kind of Soundcloud crash going on. Now my links are unreachable. Presumably they'll get it sorted shortly.
I think Soundcloud caught whatever flu bug the Piano World forum had yesterday about this time!
P.S. At the moment it is back up.
Last edited by Brent H; 07/02/1307:33 PM.
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
Inlanding - I love your work with the virtual combo. I don't know the names of the tunes but they are both real head bobbers. I'm listening through headphones and the bass is clearing my sinuses! Thanks!
peterws - Sadly, my computer must have an issue with soundcloud. I'm getting the same message "Sorry! We can't find that sound." that I'm getting from Brent H's link. I'll see if I can play them on my ipad.
Here is another in my series of performances of the work of 20th Century artist E.A. Presley. The piece was composed by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1958. I'm working from a transcription for solo piano and voice.
peterws, Bill, yester, and jfmartins - thank you for your kind comments on my improvisations and I am glad you like the sound of my Dad's old piano. Your encouragement is really appreciated.
peterws~ Misty is always a crowd pleaser and your interpretation follows that line. I loved the changes you utilized with this. I liked the idea you used no steady tempo, but just played it as you felt it. It sounded to me like you were having fun bringing out your own expression - great stuff for sure.
BillM~ Your rendition of Don't is spectacular. It sounds to me like you've played this or sung this so many times over the years - the vocal delivery is very relaxed and the accompaniment is perfect for this tune. It left me smiling the entire time - wonderful.
Brent - I`m wondering about Soundcloud. Apparantly they have a time out function which may require signing in regularly . . like every hour, to use it . .
Brent H - I tried your link this morning and it works. I'm glad I got to hear your version of this great old song. You sing and play with a relaxed style that is very appealing. I'm partial to vocal music, old standards and solo acoustic performances - yours pushed all the right buttons. Well done.
peterws - Your link is working this morning. This is one of my favorite tunes - it was the very first recording I posted to ABF (it was nowhere as good as yours). You give this piece a new twist - a little higher energy and faster tempo than one normally hears. I like it very much. Cool ending. You are not only an awesome pianist you are also quite creative in your arrangements.
I've tried playing it some but there have been so many great performances of it over the years it's hard to do a "plain vanilla" take on it that doesn't sound kind of dull. I wish I had the improvisational talent to take a tune like that off in a totally different direction. Oh well, as the old saying "Ars longa, vita brevis, baby."
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
My piece this month is I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues. This is an old time song (written in 1932 by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler), and I'm an old time guy, but somehow I don't remember hearing it till maybe five years ago or so, when I happened across a recording of Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden having a grand time with it. I've wanted to play it ever since, so here it is.
@ PeterWS What das it mean not you? Either way it sounds great! I enjoyed it very much.
@ BillM I enjoy listening to you. Your cover is emotional but not overly. I like this balance! And by the way – your Shirt is funny ïŠ
@ Riddler Love this song! My music teacher in school played it for a play of our school troupe of actors. I had forgotten this, you bring me back this memory! Thanks!
Ed~ You did great work with that old standard, I Got A Right to Sing the Blues. Love your rich chord choices and the upbeat, steady slow swing you bring. Sounded to me like you were having a great time playing it.
yester~ Schumann is one of my favorites. You did a great job with his First Loss and linked the dynamics and pulse of the music very nicely. You play with pretty relaxed hands - good work.
Riddler Laid back bar room music. Complete with smoky atmosphere from days of yore. One sometimes resents Government legislation ... .Enjoyed this, man. Bluesy from start to finish.
I usually like everything you do, but this last one was in a category of its own. I really enjoyed this EP tune ... and could see that you were really into it too. The piano work was as outstanding as the singing. Thanks for making my day!
Liebestraum 3, Liszt Standchen-Schubert/Liszt arr Sonata Pathetique-Adagio LVB Estonia L190 #7284
@ Peterws Oh, now I got it! English is hard to learn for me and I often misunderstand things. Thanks for explanation and being patient.
My piano is a Kawai MP 10. Love it a lot. A “real†piano is just a dream because I practice only late at night. But in this case the Kawai is a very good alternative. Brent H and Glen A big thank you for your kind words, they are really motivating myself! I love Schumann, practicing him is always fun. Think I try a Bach piece next time, but unfortunately practicing Bach is hard work for me, much more than Schumann…
Last edited by yester; 07/03/1306:34 PM.
A journey of a thousend miles begins with a single step. (Laozi) I made my first piano-step on June 2010.
lots of great music so far this month Here's my submission for the month. My own arrangement of Whispering Hope. I used a lead sheet from a hymn fake book.
I am currently uploading all of my written piano sheets onto my blog to make things easier. I also have written out a few more sheets. All free check it out if you want Any questions, PM me
I just want you all to know that I always listen to this piano bar. Although I don't say much. I very much enjoy listening to music. Everyone has musicality in what they do. No matter, mistakes or whatever. It's the musicality I listen for and enjoy.
I do have to mention....Bill.... your off white T shirt with the dog on the back drinking a beer....It's much cooler than Elvis' white leather.
Ron Your brain is a sponge. Keep it wet. Mary Gae George The focus of your personal practice is discipline. Not numbers. Scott Sonnon
lots of great music so far this month Here's my submission for the month. My own arrangement of Whispering Hope. I used a lead sheet from a hymn fake book.
Inlanding - Very atmospheric. Your improv sounded a little more structured than usual (and a little celtic in spots). Lovely work. Brent H – a great song Inlanding – I just love your band. It’s nice to hear you play structured pieces Peterws - very, very classy. Bill – A great rendition.
@ ladypayne don't know the tune but it's real lovely. Your arrangement feels like celebratory and exalted, little bit of christmas athmosphere. Great! @ BillM Thanks a lot for your kind words!
A journey of a thousend miles begins with a single step. (Laozi) I made my first piano-step on June 2010.
ladypayne Sounds like an old Methodist hymn. . . .Now will the congregation please stand . . . .an old fashioned style with this reminiscent of stuff I`ve heard years ago. At churches I went to . . and played at! Enjoyed!
Amaruk - this is an outstanding piece of work. Your kids are so cute and do a remarkable job of staying on pitch. They must have inherited their dad's musical talent. Once again I'm blown away by your creativity.
Thanks for the kind words, Newman. So glad you enjoyed the music!
ladypayne~ Very nicely done. Your sense of time and playing grows by leaps and bounds. Great piece of music.
amaruk~ what fun you had accompanying your boys - very touching. They are a joy. I always enjoy your music choices and submissions. This is, as Newman says, priceless!
Glen, your first two were very peaceful, soothing improvisations. I especially liked the second one. Left me feeling calm, all is well with the world. I also enjoyed your improv’s on standards – very laid back, swinging, with good lines. I kept recognizing parts, thought I knew the songs, but… then realized I was wrong. Oh well.
Brent, great old tune, well played, well sung.
Peter, love that song, heard the man play it himself a few times, many years ago. Loved your reharm’s, also those parts with both hands playing an arpeggio in unison. Great ending!
Bill, another great old tune, tastefully sung and played. You are really good at this!
Right nice man - d`ya kids get any extra pocket money for that? or was it an audition for future . . . Bet there`s loads o` good tiny musicians hiding in that piano waiting to be heard. . . fun isn`t it? . .
Amaruk - What a wonderful, creative submission. And the kids sounded terrific. I loved the way you cut from the movie to the kids against the same background, and then back again, just like they were in the film. I'm still smiling.
Liebestraum 3, Liszt Standchen-Schubert/Liszt arr Sonata Pathetique-Adagio LVB Estonia L190 #7284
Inlanding - You really managed to capture Einaudi's magical feeling in your performance of his piece here. Loved it. I really like Einaudi's music and I your performance was top notch! Your improvised ending is spot on as I can't tell where it starts… I liked your Side In piece too. For some reason it reminded me (very remotely) of the great song "Lonely Man" featured on the old TV series The Hulk. Great job!! Thanks for sharing!
Brent - What a great tune! Great singing and great playing too. Well done!
Peter - I really loved it. Your piano playing is first class as always! Who wrote this piece? Thanks for sharing!
Elvis…. I mean BillM - What a treat that was! I am amazed how well you can cover pieces like this. It is hard to tell them apart from the originals… Your voice is so good that I often forget to notice what a great piano player you are. Your fingers really dance on over the keyboard and you make it look so easy at the same time! Thanks for sharing!
Riddler - This piece is new to me. Great arrangement and playing!
Yester - Lovely playing!! I really like your way of mastering the dynamics in this piece. Looking forward to hear more from you here in the bar.
Ladypane - I have never heard this piece before but it was great! Loved the glissando! Thanks for sharing!
Inlanding, Indaco Plus - I like this, your improv maintains the mood. Side In - similar mood. Kinda slides around between classical, jazz, and pop feel.
Brent H, The Very Thought of You - another singer in the bar, nice job.
Inlanding, Some Standard and Another - enjoyed these a lot.
peterws, Misty - sounds pretty smooth to me.
BillM, Don't - I don't know this one, but you do an amazing job.
Riddler, I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues - nice work. Everyone is laid back and mellow this month. Must be the heat.
yester, Schumann's First Loss - I didn't notice any shakiness. Good playing.
ladypayne, Whispering Hope - you have your own style that comes through in your playing. Top notch arrangement.
Amaruk, In Dreams - well played. I see you have your own hobbits, but I doubt they have hairy feet
This month, my contribution to the Piano bar is my cover of "What i've done" by Linkin Park. This was an arrangement from 0AdRiaNleE0. [video:youtube]LvffxZAsR48[/video]
There's a bit of background noise around 2 mins of my wife in the kitchen. But, you know how it is, when you get through a take without too many mistakes ...
Mohan - I liked that. A very full sound (wish I could do that Riddler - As someone else noted. A slow bluesy swing. Really nice. Piano sounds good too. Yester - Nice work. So many buttons on that piano!
I first attempted this piece about four months ago (seems like an endless age gone past) and my fingers could not even get the simple intro so it was put aside onto the wish list. A subsequent restart saw me struggle with the timing of the melody bursts and required further time for things to settle in. Now I am an eight month veteran it's a little easier to play but more important I just want to get this one out there and set it free.
Mohan Karthik This is a popular genre. Reminds me of Paschelbel`s Canon in d. Builds on a phrase. . . way way ahead of it`s time. Good job man! Excellently recorded on a great pee-anno
You`ll never run out o` Beatles stuff, Newman! We`re kinda glad about that.. It please pleases me a lot . . so Get Back to yer ole Joanna . . and give us more!
Been M.I.A and I haven't had a chance to listen to everyone's entries yet. But, here's my version of River Flows in You by Yiruma. This is a work in progress. I'm about 90% into learning the sheet music. I improvised a bit especially towards the end cause I haven't gotten there yet. Also since I haven't had lesson in 2.5 weeks, I don't know what my teacher is gonna say about my version. When I started this with her, I was still at the very beginning of the song.
Adult beginner since January 2013. My only regret is that I didn't learn sooner.
EarlofMar - I'm no expert in these matters but but it seems to me you have very good hand independence considering your 8 months. LadyPayne - I don't know the tune but it has the ring of a turn of the century folk piece. ? ellec - a pretty tune
Thankyou for the kind comments Yester, Peterws & Newman.
To Newman as you approached the very early lyric "endless rain into a paper cup" I wondered will he/won't he.......it was odd not to hear it without John's Liverpudlian accent as he distorts "cup". That's not a criticism just an observation for yours was not a impersonation but a great rendition.
Thanks, earlofmar, I appreciate that. While a few here have commented how at times I do sound like Lennon. I take it as a compliment. It comes partly naturally and partly as a result of several decades of listening to and singing Beatles songs. Now it just comes out that way. But, thanks, it's not meant to be impersonation.
Amaruk, Ed, Stumbler~ Thank you so much for your kind comments.
Mohan~ Great piano playing. I've not heard the tune before, but you make it sound fantastic.
Newman~ It's been a long time since I've heard Across The Universe. You bring out the ballad-ness of it quite nicely. You have such an affinity with the Beatles music and it shows every time. This was a great way to start the day - thank you for your music.
Earlofmar~ Thank you for bringing out your, A Very Special Day, to the Piano Bar! You play it with a great deal of sensitivity and control. It's amazing to me you've been playing 8 months - so very relaxed. This is great and I look forward to more of your music.
ElleC~ Never heard of this music. It's a sweet sounding ballad and it's clear to me you are playing the music, not just the notes. Your teacher will very much like the progress you've made with it.
earlofmar: Nicely done. You can see you are a bit hesitant between some phrases which will only come with practice time!
ElleC: That was cool, you seem so comfortable with everything and it comes through in the sound for me. You have a neat ear for holding tempo, not rushing certain parts and changing sufficiently where you feel it should. Sounded good!
Had left for a while. Glen: Einaudi's Indaco is nicely played. The improvisation is very nice. I like the combo. Brent H: Your singing and the comp is very ear pleasing. Thank you for explaining the technology too. Peterws: Misty, my favorite. Well played. The ending seems missed something. The French Suit is very nice. BillM: Listening to your singing is enjoyable. Riddler: I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues is so nice. I hope I could sing too. Yester: Welcome. Your recording is very good. Ladypayne: The Whispering Hope arrangement is very good. Amaruk: The In Dreams is well arranged and your kids' vocal are so nice. Mohan Karthik: Good. Newman: Your voice is charming. Earlofmar: Nicely played. You improved a lot in eight months. ElleC: Your arrangement is very good.
Last edited by Weiyan; 07/08/1301:08 PM.
Working on:\
J.S.Bach Prelude in C Min: No. 2 from Six Preludes fur Anfanger auf dem Am Abend No. 2 from Stimmungsbilder, Op. 88 60s Swing No. 1 from Swinging Rhythms
Hi Good morning, This is my contribution to this month's piano bar. Had posted a year ago. A few days ago I played this piece again and liked the newer rendering. Practice for few days and take record.
My Way Composed by Claude Francois and Jacques Revaus From Hal Leonardo Harmonica Series
Thank you watching and comments.
Working on:\
J.S.Bach Prelude in C Min: No. 2 from Six Preludes fur Anfanger auf dem Am Abend No. 2 from Stimmungsbilder, Op. 88 60s Swing No. 1 from Swinging Rhythms
Hi Weiyan~ great to see you again! I always think of Frank Sinatra when I hear this song. You playing it with great care and it's great you shared it again.
Glen, nice touch with these two comps. Both very pretty and nicely executed.
Brent, nice arrangements. Some fine playing here and GREAT voice. Nice to hear you here and look forward to hearing more.
Cool sound with these standards, Glen. Sorry can't help with the names but you had me dancin'.
Peterws - I get Misty just listening to this (true, and a long story ...) nicely played.
Bill, fabulous production here. Very well done.
Riddler, nice changes. Very fine playing and polished performance. Well done.
Yester, very fine. Really nicely done. Very clean and nice interpretation. Look forward to hearing more from you.
Ladypayne, this is a fun listen. Very enjoyable. Nice playing.
Amaruk, you are really great with these productions. This is like really good stuff. You could win competitions with this. Kids are adorable ... and fine playing of course too. Really good.
Mohan, very rich and full sound. Nicely done.
Newman, very pretty song. Very nicely performed.
OK, now I'm running out of steam for today.
It is nice to be back. I've always been lurking but I've pre-occupied with life events of late and haven't been too active. I miss it.
I'll get back here this week and catch up on the others I've missed so far this month and maybe have another tune to share (I have a backlog.)
Meanwhile, here is a piece I heard performed very nicely in the June Bar. It got me thinking of how pretty this tune really is, and worth saving. It is one of the very first pieces I ever learned. It is called ...
Glen: I hadn't heard that Einaudi before, but it's lovely! I always have a hard time with making his stuff sound musical, so I'm particularly in awe of how smooth yours sounds.
I love your stuff with the virtual combo. How do you even make that work? I just picked up a jazz book and would love to try some of that eventually - I didn't even know you could.
Brent H: I'm sort of a jazz standards junkie (and still need to find time to learn how to play them properly) so this made my day. Very nice version of this wonderful song.
Peterws: I really like your take on 'Misty'. I've never warmed up to it the way some others do, but I really love this version.
BillM: Your voice is fantastic, truly. A really heartfelt rendition of this.
Riddler: I'm also a fan of the Louis Armstrong version! I like this solo version too, though. You did a great job with it.
Yester: It didn't sound shaky at all. To me, it sounded confident and right on point.
Ladypayne: I really liked the middle section. I'd never heard this hymn before, but it has a nice melody and you did a great job with it.
Amaruk: Oh my gosh, your kids are so cute. Especially the one in the Batman shirt who is clearly concentrating super hard so he doesn't mess up. Adorable. This brings back nice memories of when I used to play and sing with my dad, although we tended to go for Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Mohan: Really confident and well done. I also like how you brought out the melody line with so much else going on.
Newman: Your voice is really cool! I'm so admiring of all the people who can play and sing around here. I can do one or the other and both badly occasionally.
EarlofMar: I love that feeling when you can play something while still remembering how impossible it looked at the start. You sound wonderful, especially for only eight months of experience. You have a nice smooth touch and a great sense of tone and musicality.
ElleC: You seriously started in January 2013? Whoa. Very impressive. I like the delicate feeling that you capture, which can be hard with music that has a lot going on like this.
Weiyan: This is a nice thoughtful rendition of My Way. Great job with it!
Greener: This is a beautiful version of Love Story. Great job with the dynamics and feeling behind it.
I think all the standards this month have motivated me to start trying out some jazz piano!
Works in Progress: Rachmaninoff: Prelude Op 23 No 4
Greener: Very beautiful rendition. Its like music box.
Working on:\
J.S.Bach Prelude in C Min: No. 2 from Six Preludes fur Anfanger auf dem Am Abend No. 2 from Stimmungsbilder, Op. 88 60s Swing No. 1 from Swinging Rhythms
Jeff~ Great to see you again and thanks for the kind words on my submissions - glad you liked 'em. Your rendition of Love Story is very sensitively played. I liked those trills you employed. You tell a story with your music - fantastic.
Anne H~ First off, welcome to the Piano Bar! As you can tell, we enjoy sharing our music with each other here. It's share and share alike. We will enjoy hearing your music, Anne. Great fun!
Thank you for your kind comments on the opening submissions for July. Glad you like the short Einaudi intro and improv. Eventually, I will get the rest of that tune under my fingers and play it as it's written. That's the only one of his that really caught my ear.
As for the virtual combo, I just placed the microphone between the speaker and the piano to capture the drums and bass as I played along. I used iRealB on the iPad and plugged it into the stereo. It plays the bass line and drums to a myriad of standards so as to allow the player to improvise or play along. Here's one you might recognize where there wasn't as much straying. Some folks use another program called, Band In A Box. It's quite a bit more versatile and I'll use it at some point. The iRealB has been a huge help in my own learning and it's fun to use.
Mohan Karthik - I've not heard this great song played as an instrumental before but your high energy performance really works. Very nice arrangement. You made this come alive.
ElleC - a sensitive and enjoyable performance. It is astounding how well you play after such a short time. You have a lovely, light touch that suits this piece nicely.
Mohan - Fantastic!!! I really liked the energy and the dynamics in your performance. Well done! Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to hear more from you here in the bar.
Newman - Wow…Awesome playing and singing! I can listen to your music for hours… You have shared so many great songs with us here but I think this is my all time favorite! Your singing is such a treat. Did you ever cover Electric Light Orchestra by the way? I think your voice is perfect for their music too. Thanks for sharing!
Earlofmar - 8 months only? Great playing! Keep it up. Looking forward to hear more from you here. Thanks for sharing!
ElleC - What a great performance! I don't know this piece but the improvised parts fit perfectly as it all sounded great to me. I also like the low angle you picked for your video. I creates drama in a way. Thanks for sharing!
Wieyan - Great playing as always! Did you memorize it in a few days only? Amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Greener - I love this piece and you really made it justice in your performance here. I really like how you play it so gentle. Your piano sounds lovely too by the way. Well done! Thanks for sharing!
Inlanding - I am always amazed by Band-in-a-box type performances like this. Your piano playing is top notch as always! Was this improvisation? Loved it! It had a very relaxing sound to it. Well done! Thanks for sharing!
Bill ~ Thanks for the comments on Stormy Weather. I'd forgotten Elssa submitted it last month and it's good to get some contrast in styles. Amaruk, yes, the piano part is improvised based on a simple lead sheet.
jazzwee~ really enjoyed your band's Blue Bossa. The vocalist is great and your solo is spot-on in every way. Sounded to me like you were channeling the music - no hesitation as to where to go next; very fluid - fantastic!
Honest to goodness I always thought "Blue Bossa" was an instrumental! Don't know how I've managed to never come across someone singing it. Thanks, jazzwee, for expanding my horizons on that one.
But more to the point, very fine piano solo. I liked it a lot.
Current Life+Music Philosophy: Less Thinking, More Foot Tapping
@ Weiran Oh I love this piece! Reminded me of a special moment in my life… thanks for sharing!
@ Greener what a lovely playing. I had to close my eyes because I wanted to enjoy it deeply. Great! @jazzwee Wow, a live-performance, I’m very impressed. Playing live in front of other people is the most challenging part of all, I think. You and your band created such a great vibe – I envy everyone who was there at this evening.
Last edited by yester; 07/10/1304:17 PM.
A journey of a thousend miles begins with a single step. (Laozi) I made my first piano-step on June 2010.
Just wanted to pop in and say that you guys inspired me to get a Zoom recorder so I can contribute to stuff like this. Thanks for giving me the push to start recording!
Works in Progress: Rachmaninoff: Prelude Op 23 No 4
jazzwee - What a terrific recording! You and your band are just outstanding. I liked everything about this. It is so cool how the others in the group step back and let the soloist shine. I bet you all get along well outside of "work".
Just wanted to pop in and say that you guys inspired me to get a Zoom recorder so I can contribute to stuff like this. Thanks for giving me the push to start recording!
Hope to hear/see your posting soon Anne H. I found my first two postings very arduous perhaps both pieces were outside my pay grade lol. However it forced me to really listen to what I was playing and to hone in on dynamics. I was also very surprised when I listened to my first piece, which I thought I had learned well enough,how much more work it needed. I was greatly rewarded when I did the extra "polishing" of the piece how much better it was.
Jazzwee - Loved it! What a great band you are in! Is this an original song of yours? Thanks for sharing.
Anne - Congratulations to getting a Zoom recorder! I love mine and it is so easy to use. The vocals of my boys in my video above is recorded with my Zoom H2.
earlofmar- You are doing really well. Good for you. I look forward to hearing more from you and watching you progress. Stay at it. All it is, is a keen interest and practice which is clearly working. Good job with this.
Ellen - Nice clean sound. A very polished performance with great dynamics. Really great timing coordination ... sounds tricky but you have no trouble at all with it. Nicely done.
Weiyan- Great to hear from you again. Did you get a new board? Looks/sounds wonderful ... I love this classic ... OK another one I need to dust off now. You are doing great ... good job with this.
Fabulous swing and nice job with this great standard, Glen. Really like this.
Jazzwee, I am huge fan of Bossa's and this is one of my favorites. Great sound ... the band sounds great
Thanks everyone, for the very kind and generous comments re: "Love Story". It is great fun to be back.
Here is an encore from me this month. It is another Tear Jerker. Figured I would stick with that theme this month. This one made popular by Canadian artist, Anne Murray and called ...
Thank you for those who have listened and commented. Just some replies...
Greener -- the rhythm was a bit tricky especially the first several measures. I struggled with it for sure.
Amaruk -- I wasn't even thinking of the angle. I had no other place to put my iPhone except at the edge of the piano. The little bit of theatrics it gave was not intentional, I lack the video/artistic skills you possess
Anne -- Thank you for the compliment! Yes new to piano but not new to music. Welcome to ABF btw, can't wait to hear your recordings.
Adult beginner since January 2013. My only regret is that I didn't learn sooner.
Jeff~~ glad you liked Stormy Weather - Thank you for your kind words.
Thanks for sharing You Needed Me. It's been awhile since hearing it and you brought back some good memories with that tune. Your technique has improved greatly and it shines through nicely. Keep up the good work.
Wow Glen, you shocked me with the Einaudi piece! That must be a first that I'm aware. Beautifully played with such a perfect touch! You can play anything.
I recorded the piano accompaniment in the original key of Ab and was using the recording to practice my singing. On a lark, I used Reaper to transpose it down to Eb and I really enjoyed singing it in a more laid-back register. Probably ought to slow down the tempo for an even more laid-back vibe.
The is my piano, recorded in my home, pitched down with software and then the vocal recorded in exactly the same room without moving the microphones. It's a "Mid-Side" recording using a Neumann TLM102 (Mid) and AKG Perception 420 (Side) together on each track.
Beautiful rendition here Brent. Your accompaniment goes wonderfully with your singing. Sounds like authentic Broadway!
ElleC River flowing bee-you-ti-fully! Unbelievable accomplished style for 8 months! Wow . .
Weiyan My Way- No music again! You do so well on these songs. Piano sonding nice, man!
Inlanding Stormy Weather- Love your funky upbeat stride style. Very high feelgood factor indeed!
Greener Love Story - Remember it well. Ali McGraw - oh wow!! So you saw the film? Betcha did! You Needed Me - Great. Old classic not often heard these days.
Jazwee You`re having far too much fun. And I`m jealous . . .I need a band! AND they tell me beer is good for ole fellas . . .
Weiyan – I liked the arrangement, the way the LH and RH worked together The InLanding Trio – That makes for a great sounding trio. As sais by another you can play anything. Jazzwee – excellent. Your fingers really fly in the solo Greener - I haven’t heard You Needed Me in quite a few years. Your rendition let the melody and structure of the song through. Lovely arrangement. (I’d like to try to learn it). BrentH – A great tune
And thanks all for the positive feedback. Amaruk, no I don’t know any ELO but might pick one out.
My piece this month is I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues. This is an old time song (written in 1932 by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler), and I'm an old time guy, but somehow I don't remember hearing it till maybe five years ago or so, when I happened across a recording of Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden having a grand time with it. I've wanted to play it ever since, so here it is.
So smoothly done Ed. Solid playing, solid groove, great piano tone, and excellent sounding voicings. Boy, you just shifted to high gear with your piano skills in the last year. Amazing!
@ PeterWS What das it mean not you? Either way it sounds great! I enjoyed it very much.
@ BillM I enjoy listening to you. Your cover is emotional but not overly. I like this balance! And by the way – your Shirt is funny ïŠ
@ Riddler Love this song! My music teacher in school played it for a play of our school troupe of actors. I had forgotten this, you bring me back this memory! Thanks!
Here is another in my series of performances of the work of 20th Century artist E.A. Presley. The piece was composed by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1958. I'm working from a transcription for solo piano and voice.
How could I ever be disappointed with anything you do Bill? You're an entertainment machine with a non-stop supply of great tunes such with finesse and always with a professional sounding accompaniment on the piano. Excellent!
lots of great music so far this month Here's my submission for the month. My own arrangement of Whispering Hope. I used a lead sheet from a hymn fake book.
Once again, Bill, your choices influence my own. Given you chose the King, I’ve chosen the Boss with a reference to the King.
As a Bruce fan (his early years) I’ve listened to quite a bit to Roy Bittan over the years and love the ways he plays, although I could never emulate it. So, even though it’s a much simplified version, I put this together today. It’s a mix of ‘Factory’ from Darkness On The Edge Of Town with its earlier incarnation of ‘Come On (Let’s go tonight)’ from The Promise - the DOTET ‘off cuts.
Greener - You needed Me - This is great stuff - Real Piano Bar music beautifully played. This is the perfect tempo as it accentuates the bittersweet melody. One of your best.
Newman - I like how you let your vocals and the lyrics take center stage. This is an absolutely perfect piano accompaniment for this song. We seem to have very similar taste in music and similar piano styles - more rhythm guitar than lead.
Thanks, Bill. Yes, our tastes are very similar. To be honest the piano and voice balance was accidental. Funny thing, I actually had the piano a little louder than usual because I was playing quite lightly. Yes, definitely more rhythm than lead!
Here`s a multitrack. Well, two actually. I lost patience . . . it`s all in the title (not!) Gordon Bennett, think piano! Piano! Piano! NOTHING but the pee-anno!
Thanks, jazzwee, peterws, and Newman for the kind comments - so glad you liked the standards with the combo.
Newman~ Spectacular effort on, Factory with Come On (Let’s go Tonight). You get better and better each month. Your accompaniment shines through, second only to your voice . Just wonderful, Newman.
Peterws~ That multi-track production with your electric keyboard is great. The voices come through very nicely. You have a great sense of time and it’s clear from the start you were enjoying playing the music.
Yester, that Schuman piece was lovely. You have such a graceful way of playing, and wonderful expression.
Ladypayne, good arrangement on Whispering Hope. I especially liked all those arpeggios you added; they nicely filled up the spaces. I don't think I remember you playing that way before, well done.
Amaruk, what a production! That was a very listenable arrangement and performance, and I enjoyed hearing the kids too, and watching how they reacted to the music.
Mohan, what a workout! you play with real gusto and expression, and excellent rhythm and timing. I enjoyed every minute of it!
Newman, beautifully sung and played. I envy you and all who can sing as well as play, a great gift.
Earlofmar, extremely impressive for 8 months of playing. You have made great progress!
Very summery Elssa! High 90`s? We`re in the high 70`s here. If it gets any hotter, the shirt`ll have to go back on . . .
Yor piano sounds like one of tose organs they used for dancing on the pier and Tower Ballroom at Blackpool . . . was there today. Full o` foreigners . . . was 15mintes before I heard a Scottish voice . . .
TY, Peterws. Your recording was gorgeous, the playing and arrangement. I've never tried multitracking, always take the "easy way out" with just using 2 voicings on my Roland DP at once. UR very perceptive to pick up the organ sound in my recording "Summer Samba" - I don't usually use it. I played organ w/pedals for many years as a young pup and love experimenting with the different settings/sounds now with the DP.
Sounds like you've got it made.. I spent about a month in England during the summer when I was 14 and remember the weather was perfect, in the 70s.. Sure prefer that to the 90s. :p
Just starting a new job 6 days a week, so not much time to record new things, but will try..you've inspired me. Have always wanted to play "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"
earlofmar - very funny, man! The place (Yate`s) got burnt down by a disgruntled ex employee `bout 5 years ago! Straight after a multimillion pound refit . . . .The guy`ll be out now; Blackpool`s had more than a few arson attacks lately.
Peterws - Lion King is very popular with my 2 year old grandson so I get to hear it quite frequently. I really enjoyed your version. I'm always impressed with those who add a technology layer to their music - Well done.
Elssa - it has also been unbearably hot here in the DC area. Your lively rendition of Summer Samba was the perfect tonic, although it was missing the gin. A Lovely Performance.
Here is another song from an animated feature film. This tune is from An American Tail. This is a decidedly low tech recording. While I'm not quite ready for multiple tracks like peterws I am attempting to sing both the Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram parts.
Hey Bill; don`t you bother wi multitracks! More bloody trouble than they`re worth; my Lady gets fed up o` me swearing . . .I do too! Thinking of getting a piano with NOTHING else on it . . .
You do great stuff. This seems a wistful song, full of feeling. It`s what you do so well.
BillM: A wonderful, touching performance. I've always loved that song, and you did such a great job with it, very creative arrangement, especially with the singing in different octaves.
I will be having a listen to these tonight, thanks all for sharing
Multi-tracks as Peterws rightly says can be a right pain in the *insert suitable word here* but once you get the hang of things they can also be great fun!
I am eager to have a listen to the pieces posted by Bill as although I don't consider myself a singer by any means I did give it a shot once and boy was I surprised.... it was just like re-learning hand independence all over again except with your voice, everything just wanted to stay at the same octave/rythm all the time or play at the same moment everything just fell to pieces haha.
Elssa~ I very much enjoyed your straight-up arrangement of a great classic. Your style really shines through with this, Summer Samba!
BillM~ Your delivery is wonderful. Sense of time and dynamic changes of your voice come naturally to you which makes for such a professional sounding performance. The accompaniment is one of your best and it is spot-on for this great tune. Your repertoire is huge - I enjoy going to your YouTube page for more of your great selections. Again, thank you for your music.
BillM – Great song and nice to see your hands in action. Sounds better to me as one voice and not two. Elssa - A great tune. As Glen said, your style really suits it.
Re multi tracking - I have recording software but for me the challenge is to play piano and sing without multi tracking.
But here's a multi track example. A song I wrote and did a home recording of in 2005 - as a piano based song. This was before I could actually play piano but could write a part into the software. Now to hear it best imagine it being performed by the Eagles with Don Henley singing the lead vocal (which is how I hear it in my head).
Newman.... I really liked that. Can I challenge you to another Eagles song? Another one that wasn't the most popular. But its really good. It's very difficult to do right. Lots of emotion. It's: Wasted Time.
Ron Your brain is a sponge. Keep it wet. Mary Gae George The focus of your personal practice is discipline. Not numbers. Scott Sonnon
Used to do a few o` his years ago. Sddenly I feel my age .. the folk I played to (dancing) will be, er, departed . . .the working men`s clubs are almost all gone too . . .Ahhhh! Nostalgia ain`t what it used to be .. . And neither`s my car. Thak goodness . . .
Lovely job Elssa. This stuff won`t be forgotton while you`re around, lass!
Thanks again, Peterws. Love all of his songs. I used to play this type of stuff years ago in the local electric organ clubs, but they're obsolete now, I guess, or at least around here anyway.
Ya got the rhythm, gurl . . . . you`ve kept your hands in fine shape! I can`t play a rhythm on my piano. It has to be full accompaniment or nothing - I can put in the drums separately which is hard work and time consuming . . ..I seem to remember the song "I will wait for you" . . .
I have fun playing along with the rhythm section on my DP, sort of like playing along with a little band, though have to admit the "red dot syndrome" gets to me sometimes even more when it's bouncing around like that in front of my eyes - can be hard to keep up with! :p
Thanks for reminding me about the song "I Will Wait for You".. recorded that a few years ago and really like it but had forgotten all about it until you mentioned it.
Newman~ I very much enjoyed your original, I Wish That I Knew Then. It sounds as though you are really putting yourself into the music. It's clear you were doing that, especially from 2:37 on. Good work!
Elssa~ Watch What Happens is one of my favorite LeGrand tunes - especially love the lyrics - can you sing along as you play? I Will Wait For You, is another great one of his. Thanks for reposting it. Your style really shines through with these tunes.
Here`s the hardest piece I`ve done. Dunno why; open key, simple tune. It took ages to sort. and still not right . . . Best part of an hour to upload. Don`t we have fun . . . ! One of Rihanna`s less dark songs. She`s a star, but could use a new songwriter imo.
Lovely Elssa. I had to play it as a foxtrot . . .relentlessly chugging along along wi the other tnes that accompanied it . . Your style reminds me o` that song from the film . . ."Strangers in Paradise" And "How I loved you"
Peterws: We must be around the same age because we love all the same songs.
Thanks, Inlanding:) Sure wish I could sing well.. The lyrics are lovely, as you say, but my voice is pretty soft, and the last time I tried to record it with my playing, it was almost inaudible. Guess I should try to invest in a good microphone. lol.
Well, I found one more Michel Legrand tune from my YouTube..interesting how he uses the Circle of 5ths with a lot of his songs.
nice Elssa!.. I haven't heard that song since Dusty Springfield's vocal version.. I like it as an instrumental much better.. and I like... "Watch What Happens" my favorite version of that is Sergio Mendes Brazil 66 vocal,with Lani Hall..
nice Elssa!.. I haven't heard that song since Dusty Springfield's vocal version.. I like it as an instrumental much better.. and I like... "Watch What Happens" my favorite version of that is Sergio Mendes Brazil 66 vocal,with Lani Hall..
Tx, Bob and Newman. Well, thought I was done but dug out one more Legrand tune..
Enjoyed those Elssa. Bit before my time of course . . Legrand seems a wistful guy, whimsical, whatever. I prefer Bacharach . . .come on gurl! over to you . .
Well, I was born in '62, so all this stuff a little before my time, too, I guess, but fun to watch on YouTube and PBS. I love Bacharach, too - just can't follow his frequent key changes.. He seems to change them on a whim - but guess that's what makes it so great! :-) Trying to learn "Alfie".. not easy. :p
Do you play any Bacharach tunes? Would love to hear them. I used to play "The Look of Love" on electric organ with pedals years ago..
My favourite song, Elssa. Dusty Springfield was also my favourite singer. Bacharach was so prolific. So were Lennon/ McCartney. . . .everything they did was different. So much talent to tap into. So little time . . .
I love Bacharach too. "Do you know the way to San Jose", "Walk on by" and "I say a little prayer" are my favourites. When I listen to "Say...prayer" on the train to work I have great difficulty restraining myself from singing along. I've started on "Walk on by" a few times but struggle and give up - one day.
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Not sure what the second one is, either. Hope you like the combo attempt and can identify the tunes.
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His name is listed in Japanese, so that's why I put the link there so people can find out more about him if they like: 
Do you play professionally? You should. 
