This is a spin-off of the "Octagenarian" thread, I think, but I didn't want to hijack it. So here it is.
I had the privelage of attending a concert given by Roger Williams, the pianist who made the legendary 1950s recording of "Autumn Leaves". He's 82, and he's still a technical monster!! He had several other musicians onstage that tour with him, along with members of the Florida Orchestra that were provided with their parts for arrangements of his biggest hits. The concert was phenominal, complete with plenty of stories and jokes. After the intermission, he took many requests from the audience, wrote them down and wove them into a medley on the spot. He invited members of the orchestra to come along if they knew any of the tunes. His own guys were right there behind him, but only a few orchestra members were brave enough to go out on a limb. Williams even played "Great Balls of Fire" and the "Notre Dam Fight Song". I came away so inspired, I could hardly stand it.
Williams is a Steinway Artist. For his 80th birthday, and Steinway's 150th, a designer created a special art-case piano with gold-colored exterior and red inside (for "red and gold" from "Autumn Leaves"). The notes to the song were engraved on the music desk. Oh, it was a sight for sore eyes to see! (He played it last night). In the lobby, a Steinway representative was showing off a model that was black outside with a golden interior. I actually got to play it, and drew a small crowd! It was hard to listen to its tonal disposition because it was so noisey with everyone milling all around. The action felt pretty good to me though.
Just thought some of you would like to know about this very inspiring experience. I feel privelaged that I was able to hear him play, although we couldn't see a thing from our seats! Hope I posted this in the right spot.
