LadyPayne - I can see you've been inspired as we all have by Amaruk's haunting simulations of a street accordian. That was lovely!
Stumbler - What a gorgeous original arrangement! Thanks for sharing it.
Newman - The first two lines totally describe how I feel this morning. Love the harspichord! I can't believe how accomplished and adept you've become at arranging and accompanying yourself in such a short period. It must be some kind of world record.
TCM only played movies yesterday that had something to do with New Years Eve. One of them, Till We Meet Again, reminded me I'd arranged the title song by ear when I heard it in the film over two years ago. It also is the first time I attempted to sing while accompanying myself (and the only time I did until I started voice lessons last April). I say attempted because I thought I was totally off key, but much to my surprise, although there are a few pitch problems, it wasn't nearly as bad as I remembered. Or is it?
... Love the harspichord! I can't believe how accomplished and adept you've become at arranging and accompanying yourself in such a short period. It must be some kind of world record.
...Till We Meet Again... I thought I was totally off key, but much to my surprise, although there are a few pitch problems, it wasn't nearly as bad as I remembered. Or is it? [/url]
Thanks, Starr Keys. In honesty the arrangement is a simplified version of the recording. I can't quite manage the part in the middle where he plays the melody in a two/three part chord thing. But after working on Eleanor Rigby I found I was able to play that RH thing in the middle section. No world record. I've been on leave since the week before Christmas and have devoted many hours to playing.
Till we meet again - is not as bad as you may remember it. As you note, a few misses - but more hits.
ladypayne: The adagio arrangement is very good. stumbler: Miss Jane Wedderburn's Strathspey, well played. Newman: For No-one, your singing and the accompaniment is very good. Starr Keys: The Till WE Meet Again waltz, very good for ear. Your voice is touching.
Ladypayn: That was lovely, such mournful strains. Really tugged at my heart strings. Were you playing the piano?
Stumbler: That was an interesting arrangement. I've never heard it before but I enjoyed it. I thought it had both a jazzy and classical feel to it.
Newman: That was super cool! It sounded so much like the Beatles in concert. You're so talented.
Starr Keys: I felt wistful and maudlin listening to your song and your singing, which was beautiful. You were not off key at all. It felt like a song from the Casablanca time - the piano playing, singing, aura, feel. Just so lovely.
Weiyan: Your Bach was very sweet. I've never played it but I enjoyed it very much.
stumbler - I love your strathspeys. I was a Scottish country dancer for about 10 years, and I loved some of the strathspeys. Now the band I'm in plays for Scottish country dancing a couple of times a year - we're doing Burns Night this coming Saturday, and I've *finally* learned a strathspey written by Muriel Johnstone, who is the music director of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. She gave a workshop this past fall as part of a dance workshop here in Santa Fe.
Cathy, thank you. I've been working with fiddle tunes I obtained from the Highland Music Trust. They have a number of collections available for free download.
Cathy, thank you. I've been working with fiddle tunes I obtained from the Highland Music Trust. They have a number of collections available for free download.
Oh dear I already have so many collections of tunes I'll never get thru them all, but this is way tempting Of the ones for sale I have the Athole collection, but not the others. Oh dear, again. I've been trying to clean out my sheet music. Oh dear.
Thanks, Weiyan, Stumbler and Newman. I enjoyed your music very much, too. This is my first time participating in and following a piano bar and I'm enjoying the different genres of music. It opens up a whole new dimension for me.
One of my favorite parts of my favorite Christmas movie, It's a Wonderful Life, is the scene where Bert and Ernie are singing a duet outside of George and Mary's window on their wedding night.
Since neither Bert nor Ernie were available when I did this today I used the harmonizer that is built into my Roland to assist me on the vocal.
Thank you Newman, Weiyan, Candlelight and Stumbler for your kind and encouraging remarks and for overlooking the flaws in my recording. This was the first time I used a mic for a vocal at the piano before I figured out how to have it pick up my voice without picking up the sound of my fingers tapping the keyboard.
Interesting how people get so retro and sentimental on New Years. I think Bill's song was written in the same era as mine, which actually was closer to World War I than the era of the World War II classic, Casablanca. But both his song and mine were used in movies made around 1940. Unfortunately, I'm away from home and I don't have my headphones, so I haven't been able to listen to it yet but I look forward to it. (and the same goes for Weiyan's)
Its been a number of years since I last watched "Its a Wonderful Life". My first thought upon seeing "Bert and Ernie", was that there had been a muppets remake---silly me.
Candlelightpiano - I'm sorry I didn't mention looking forward to hearing you with Bill and Weiyan--I almost missed you. I love Disney too, what a great way to get back in condition practicing scales and arpeggios after hand injury. Well done!
Weiyan -- what a lot of bang for a buck or under a buck if one minute equals a dollar in performance currency I see definite improvement in smoothness and expressiveness. Keep it up!
BillM -- Definitely evoked the duet performed by the beloved twosome. Brilliant idea to use the harmonizer. Nice choice in terms of both the season and your signature style. Thanks!
Thank you, Starr Keys, for your kind and encouraging remarks on my Scales and Arps. Yeah, it was a good way to get back into paino.
BillM: I LOVED IT TRULY! Has anyone ever told you that you sound like Elvis Presley? You have such a beautiful voice and you sing with so much heart. Loved your piano accompaniment, too. Your song moved me.
Candlelightpiano - I also am a big Disney fan but must have missed this one along the way. You play with confidence and style - love the camera angle. It is great to see who is behind the (excellent) playing.
Thanks, Bill (but I must do some other artists!)Yes, probably a little more effect. It's a fine line isn't it? To take a simple live recording done in your lounge room at home and lift it just a little but not too much because it is, after all, just you and your piano at home.
What a great start of the new year!! I look forward to listen to all your performances and comment on them individually.
We just got a new digital piano (Roland LX-15) this Christmas. I love how it feels, looks, and sounds. Here is a video of me playing on it. I am performing (trying to at least) the piece I am teaching our oldest son at the moment "In Dreams" from the movie Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (easy piano version).
It is funny that "easy piano" sometimes is quite hard...
My first submission... a lot of you have played Bach's Minuet in G before and way much better! I'm trying to catch up and looking for advice/suggestions to improve... Thank you!
Wow, Amaruk, you and your new Roland were made for each other! Wonderful sound and playing! The only thing more I could ask is--when are you going to sing with it?!
Some really fabulous music coming out of the Bar as usual. I haven't been out much lately as it really is quite a bit of work in getting a piece presentable, record etc. as you all know of course. Instead I have been practicing oodles on my upcoming recital pieces for the Mendelssohn and Feb recital, plus some other Chopin things that caught my interest.
I'm never far away though, and always listening. Everyone obviously has what it takes in putting together some fabulous pieces and the year is starting out on a strong foot. Kudos everyone and congratulations on the new keys Amaruk. Sounds fabulous ... a bet your practicing time just quadrupled
You've all got me motivated to give it a whirl though. Here is another Minuet in G for you all. This one by Beethoven though. I learned it many many years ago and is always fun to play. Clearly it could use a few more rehearsals. At any rate, hope you enjoy my rendition of ...
Happy New Year! Great stuff everyone. I can see that the year is off to a roaring start with new instruments, new musical tricks, and new contributors.
Amaruk - man, that thing sounds like a million bucks. hopefully, that is not what you paid for it :-)
BillM - Hysterical ending with the harmonizer on I Love You Truly. That was fun
Wish4thing - Congratulations on your inaugural posting. Minuet in G was a great introduction to your playing
Candlelightpiano - Scales and Arpeggios was very enjoyable. I was surprised to hear that this was from Disney.
Starr Keys - You are always getting us with those emotional songs. Why don't they make them like this anymore? Was that foot pedal noise in the beginning? Maybe the mic could be moved
Weiyan - Great forward progress on Mussette. Enjoyable to listen to!
Stumbler - Miss Jane... was a beautiful arrangement, well played. It is pretty cool that you came up with a number that had melodic traces of Auld Lang Syne just in time for an early January posting.
Newman - You get a lot of vocal backing strength out of just a single instrument. For No One, at the tempo that you sing it, doesnt seem like it is made for accompaniment by a single keyboard - but you pull it off! Very nice!
L.P. - I love the multi-instrument mix on Adagio. Really special.
Ladypane - Great job!! Please let us know how you recorded this as it sounds great!
Stumbler - Great playing!!! You keep a very steady rhythm. I never heard this before but I loved it!
Newman - I am always looking forward to your contributions here and you did not disappoint this time either. I love your Beatles covers!!! Your voice is absolutely golden!! I have never heard this before but after listening to this I don't think I want to listen to the original, your version is so good!
Starr Keys - No, it is not bad at all! It is actually very good. You are very talented that can sing and create arrangements like this!! Me sing? Well, I was actually singing and playing this piece when the recorder was off… I love this tune and I find the lyrics to be great too.
Weiyan - Great performance. This piece is new to me but it sounded great.
Candlelightpiano - Great playing!! The Aristocats is such a cute movie!! What a beautiful piano you have!
BillM - Yet another fantastic contribution from you Bill!! It is so great to come to the bar and hear your songs. I must say that your piano is simply fantastic (and it looks great too). The harmonizer feature is perfect here. Great thinking and execution!!
Wish4THing - What a great start for you here!! I think you played it very well. Thanks for sharing!!
Greener - Great playing!! This piece is new to me but you play it very relaxed and I can tell that you have fun playing it!
Starr Keys, not a bad job at all on Till We Meet Again. Quite enjoyable.
Weiyan, nice work on the Musette.
candlelightpiano, I remember this from the movie . . . although it's been a long time now. Fun piece, and a great job.
BillM, that's an interesting effect. It really does sound like you are harmonizing with yourself. I must admit that I too thought of Sesame Street when I first saw the names Bert and Ernie.
Thank you, BillM. Someday I hope to be able to play as well as you do.
Amaruk: I enjoyed the theme from Lord of the Rings on your new piano. I've actually never heard it before. Interesting how you overlaid a video over your performance. How do you do that? Also, how you do post a video cover? I only know how to post a link.
Wish4Thing: Your Minuet brought back memories, all good! There was nothing wrong with it. It was a very good performance.
Amaruk: I enjoyed the theme from Lord of the Rings on your new piano. I've actually never heard it before. Interesting how you overlaid a video over your performance. How do you do that? Also, how you do post a video cover? I only know how to post a link.
Thank you! My video editor (FCPX) has multiple tracks in the time line and it is very easy to combine videos this way.
The way to post a video from YouTube here is: click on the monitor icon in the reply window and select YouTube. Then enter the code for your clip. The code is what comes after '?v=' in the link to a clip. The code for your clip is: 6fzWTvJD15s.
Congratulations on the new keys Amaruk. Sounds fabulous ... a bet your practicing time just quadrupled
Thanks! Yes, the new piano has for sure increased my practicing time!! It has also inspired me to try to play music by Chopin. Here is my first Chopin recording:
Thank you BillM, KenJazz, Amaruk and TX-Dennis for giving me such a warm welcome back to the Bar this year.
Digging up this old recording of mine has proven to be very prescient. This was the first time my mother had heard me sing since I was in college and I remembered how moved she was by it when she heard it 2-1/2 years ago.
She went into the hospital the day after Christmas in terrible pain, which they haven’t been able to alleviate enough because increasing pain medication has caused other serious complications. My sisters say the only thing that she really responds to now and that seems to sooth her is their playing old standards she remembers from the dances and movies of her youth. The decision was made yesterday to enter her into a hospice program and I’m leaving for New York tomorrow night, but I sent ahead a CD with the audio file of my Till We Meet Again and asked my sisters to play it for her in case I don’t make it in time.
Great job with the Chopin Amaruk. Fabulous affect with the dancers in the video as well, and in time to boot. I look forward to hearing more pieces from you like this, on the new keys.
Thanks so much Amaruk, Dennis and Stumbler for your kind comments on the Minuet. It could certainly use more work to bring up to snuff, but not where my priorities lie at the moment. Your kind words are very encouraging for me though.
Originally Posted By: peterws
You seem like an encouraging lot . . .what d`ya have to be to join?
Just a willingness to take the stage, peterws so please do so. I have heard your playing in another thread and you will certainly be raising the bar -- in the Bar -- for me at least. It's all good though, so do not be shy.
Originally Posted By: Amaruk
Greener ... This piece is new to me ...
Really? You weren't a fan of Bugs Bunny? I think I owe my love of classical music to the Bugs. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find a clip on Youtube with the Beethoven-Minuet in G major (there were several episodes I assure you, and is what it always reminds me of.) Instead, here he conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra;
Greener I did watch Bugs Bunny as a kid but I don't recall this minuet from it though (perhaps because it such a long time ago...LOL). Great clip you added with him conducting the London Philharmonic orchestra!! Thanks for sharing!
I've been absent from the piano bar as I had nothing to post yet, but couldn't resist listening to the Final Fantasy music. Technically correct, Sisler. I would prefer the left hand to be a little louder.
Nice playing, sislermi. Welcome and thanks for sharing this. I look forward to hearing more from you.
As you are new, and if you (or anyone else,) have not checked it out already ... please check out the upcoming Mendelssohn themed recital; Themed recital - the BIG ONE
There are still some spots left and the recital will not open until sometime in March (TBD,) so, there is still plenty of time left for preparation. If you feel up to it, I encourage you to take a look and let Wayne know of your selection.
Starr Keys, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. My thoughts are with you.
Thanks, Kenjazz, Amaruk and TX Dennis. That little Aristocat Scales and Arps is one of my favorite pieces to play. It's fun and I also didn't know it was from a Disney movie.
Amaruk: Thanks for showing me how to get my video cover on PW. If you hadn't told me, I'd never figure it out. Next time I post a video, you'll see how well I learned from you. Your Chopin prelude was lovely and I especially enjoyed your presentation with the ballet over lay. Do you need some kind of special software to create the video overlays?
Greener: Your Beethoven minuet brought back lots of fond memories. That's always been one of my favorite pieces.
Sisler: You have an expressive touch. I'd never heard of both these pieces but I especially loved Hercules. I didn't know it was a Disney movie, either. To Zanarkand was beautiful, too. It had a distant feel to it, like something from outer space, which is what I suppose it is about.
Here's a song I wrote in 2005 (on guitar) and have now worked out a - very basic - piano part for it. Listening back to it before I uploaded it it occurred to me to suggest listening to it and imagining some Lionel Ritchie type orchestration/arrangement to go with it.
I've been looking back over a few of my old songs this week and thinking about which ones I can convert to piano pieces. So, expect to hear a few more in the next little while.
Peterws7: Loved your piece. Had a real nice beat and you have a lovely touch. And it's a very fitting piece for this time of year. You could have been playing about my city - WINTERpeg! We're the Iceberg City, for sure!
Elssa: Was that you playing Near You? What a lovely, sentimental piece!
Newman: You have a great voice and the song was beautiful. Loved the lyrics, too.
Thanks, everyone. This piano bar is lots of fun to be in.
Thanks Elssa, you bring the "piano bar" to the piano bar.
Thanks, Stumbler. I had played this originally with more strings as sort of a ballad, then thought I'd try this bouncier version that I posted here. My friend said "I saw you playing in an old western saloon while you were playing this", I guess because of all the tremolos I threw in for fun. LOL This is one of those great old songs you can play any old way, though, I think.
Enjoying everybody's great recordings here in the bar this month.
Amaruk - I was surprised to see/hear you playing a classical piece. A sensitive and lyrical performance. I love the tone of your Roland - do I detect a light reverb effect? It sounds full and rich.
I originally intended this for last month's piano bar. Miss Drummond of Logiealmond's Strathspey from the William Shepherd's 1st collection. I abused the original in this arrangement. I picture giants stomping through the hills of Scotland stepping on houses. People running screaming.
BillM: When I saw "Those Were The Days" I thought you were going to sing the theme from "All In The Family", and was wondering just how you would sing Edith's part of the duet. A very nice song indeed you recorded there.
Thanks, Peterws and Ellsa. Glad you liked my little Disney piece. Ellsa, love your play on words.
Stumbler: You have an imagination! I didn't picture giants stomping through the hills of Scotland stepping on houses, people running screaming! I had a vision of men in kilts marching through the heather through the mists of Scotland, like a scene out of Brigadoon. Lovely.
BillM: Those Were The Days is one of my favorite songs. In some parts, you have a very ghostly treble accompaniment, it goes very well with the mood of the song and the lyrics and I felt utterly melancholic listening to your singing of this timeless, nostalgic song.
Here's something I did a few years ago.. I used the Mandolin setting on my Roland (supposed to sound a little like a balalaika). You've inspired me to try to redo it, though..
Stumbler - a curious piece. Until today I didn't realise strathspey was a style. I googled it. Bill - you really bring out the lyrics in this one and, yes, evoke the melancholy. PM me for a little more info.
Elssa - I really liked your more upbeat interpretation. I'm not surprised that you have recorded this one - we seem to have very similar tastes in music. I particularly liked your ending including your cat's contribution.
BillM - Those were the days It is amazing how you can put out so many great performances here. As I have said many times, your voice is golden and your piano playing is fantastic as you look so relaxed in front of your great piano. It is a true pleasure to listen to your contributions here. You need to release a CD with all your covers!! Thanks for sharing!
Newman - You and Me You are in a class of your own here. Your originals are simply amazing!! I loved it. Your songs (and voice!) really remind me of the Beatles! When will be able to see a video of you playing your piano? Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks, Bill and Amaruk. You are too kind. There are many more originals to draw upon and turn into piano based rather than guitar based songs. A lifetime of listening to, playing and singing Beatles songs has left its mark!
BillM: Your voice is very touching. You sing with passion. Those were the days: Its touching.
Amaruk: The difficult Easy Piano is well played. I enjoy it. Wish4 Thing: Very good. Its baroque feel. If give you comment, I would like to say you can pay attention to one hand only at each time. From 1 min onward, your left hand seems less confidence. At 37 sec, transition from right hand to left hand has a gap. Try copy LH and RH score to same staff. The music is not divided to LH and RH. LH and RH cooperate to make same line of music.
I am a newbie, I have 99% confidence I am wrong.
Amaruk: The Polish Dance. Wow, passionate. I never think I can play it. The movie is very good. Enjoy it. Greener: Thank you for the music of Bugs. Its funny. I enjoy it. sislermi: Final Fantasy X Soundtrack, very good. peterws: The Irish Winter is rather warm. It like winter in my city. The Bach French Suite 5 is very good. Ellsa: Near You, music make as closer. Thank you for the music and the video. Your rendition of The Those were the Days is very good. Newman: You and Me, very good song. Enjoy it. Stumbler: Miss Drummond of Logiealmond's Strathspey. It seems blues progression! Wow! Enjoy it.
Elssa - thanks for sharing the Aristocats video, made me smile! In "Those were the days," I don't really like the mandolin sound. It's disturbing. Might have to do with the quality of the recording maybe?
BillM - it's so nice how you can sing and play at the same time. And pretty good too, on both accounts!
Weiyan - is the lowest A key broken? It looks so sad. Bach is really not my thing, but I appreciate the technical difficulties one faces when playing his music.
I have more listening and catching up to do this month, and I will be back. But, just want to quickly comment on what I just heard...
Weiyan; Fabulous job. Your playing is really coming along nicely and rapidly. You must be practicing a lot. It shows. I love this prelude. This is the best I've heard from you yet. Well done.
Great job!! I am glad that you ordered the adapter for your camera as it is great to be able see you play on your piano now. I like it that you uncovered your action. It makes for a very interesting video. You are becoming a Bach expert. You even had the piece memorized!!
Thank you for kindly encouragements and suggestions. My tuning mentor suggest me to play this prdlude, he said it used all twelve keys of the keyboard.
The lowerest A is broken during move to my house.
I ordered the iPod holder from TaoBao, a lot cheapper than Amazon.
Uncover the piano make the sound open, but I still not satisfy the sound quality of the video. I also like to see the action dancing.
This is the very first time I have recorded myself on a piano. For some reason when I just enjoy playing it goes perfect, but while recording I tend to mess up.
Nice tune, Artur. Messing up while recording is a common problem!
I've been practising a fun piece from Final Fantasy VII OST, had a decent run at the recording, then messed up the final chord in a transition. But expecting perfection from yourself is a sure way to fail. It's best to relax and just try to recover from any oopsies.
Artur - That`s a good tune to hack about with. "Autumn Leaves" is a common jazz rendition which can go on forever. . .Plug away on that one, you`ll have fun!
That was 30 years ago . . . .! A good `un, man. McCartney/Lennon in one. Keep `em comin
Thanks. I worked at trying to be a songwriter every day for several years in the early eighties. I have many more written in the same period. Yes, a long time ago now but I've come back to them from a piano perspective - a little tweak here and there etc.
Allard - interesting piece. From the Final Fantasy game series? I usually find game music hard tolerate (the same four bars over and over) but that captured my attention.
It's been long while since visiting PW except for the occasional PMs. Listening to everyone's submissions has, in part, help in rekindling my enthusiasm to play after a protracted absence (many reasons for this). It's great to see many of the regulars again and some enthusiastic newcomers.
ladypayne~ oddly, your adagio has a feel and sound to it somewhat like the ever-familiar standard, Autumn Leaves, then morphs into a wonderful melody. Very nicely done.
stumbler~ Thank you for my introduction to the Strathspeys. The one you chose is very pretty and a wonderful way to start the new year!
Newman~ I like your uptempo version of For No One. I recently heard a jazz ballad version of this piece and could hardly believe my ears. Great work, for sure. Your original, You and Me, is terrific. You could easily fit in a solo guitar or piano in there and it'd make a hit. In Love with Love is wonderful - you've got some serious composition skills. I really look forward to hearing more of your original soundtracks.
StarrKeys~ Very excellent arrangement you put together for, 'Till We Meet Again. As always, I very much enjoy hearing your voice accompanied by your piano playing. I am thrilled you chose to continue singing. More importantly, I am sorry to hear about your mother. My thoughts are with you through these difficult and disorienting times.
Weiyan~ your playing of the notes in Bach's music is improving as is your maintaining a solid tempo. Look forward to hearing you play Mussette, No. 11 again after it's matured under your fingers. BWV 846 is nicely done. Dynamics come with time as does getting the evenness of the notes. Keep focusing on making it sing. Keep up the good work!
candlelightpiano~ can't beat a good set of scales and arpeggios, no doubt. Very good piano playing and it sounded to me like you were having a lot of fun with that tune. It shows in your music, for sure!
BillM~ You played, I Love You Truly, so very sweetly. A pretty and romantic old piece. Yes, they don't write them like that anymore. My Grandfather used to sing, Those Were the Days, to me all the time when I was a child. Thank you for these memories.
Amaruk~ Very simple piece, and the simplicity with which you play it brings out the mood most excellently, indeed. Great you are teaching your child to play. Good go on your first Chopin. Quite a bit going on for a half-pager, eh? It will mature under your fingers over the years. Congratulations on your new electric keyboard. Play it in good health!
Wish4Thing~ good work on Bach. You bring out the voices very clearly. No easy task. Keep it up and you will find all the nuances you want to express will fall under your fingers more easily. French Suite 5 is simply fantastic! I love your tempo and dynamics to separate the voices - very well-played, indeed!
Greener~ great Beethoven! Your priority to keep a steady tempo though the change is exceptional. Cute ending, too. Fantastic, Jeff!
sislermi~ Never heard of either piece, but you bring out some unexpected fantastic virtuosity in the second piece that really caught me by surprise. Thanks for introducing me to these pieces. Bravo!
peterws~ very well played piece of music, perfect for the Holiday Season and beyond. Thank you for your music - look forward to hearing more from you.
Elssa~ My grandmother used to play this all the time. I very much enjoyed your version of, Near You. The long ending really makes it. Good job on, Those Were the Days. You've got some very quick fingers there to change those voices while keeping tempo!
ArthurGajewski~ Congratulations on making your first recording! That is no easy task, for sure. I always thought the piece was called, Autumn Leaves - learned something new. Good playing and I look forward to hearing the whole piece. You play with a very nice touch.
Allard~ Mako Reactor is interesting. Never heard of Final Fantasy before. I must be out of the loop. Good playing.
Thank you very much Amaruk, Elssa and Glen(Inlanding)and everyone else who I earlier thanked, or somehow missed, for your kindness and support in this trying time.
I was able to spend every day of my time in New York at my mom's bedside. She died right after I departed by train for the airport--we all believe, with peace and clarity.
She was a great mom and I'll miss her very much. Here is a link to a performance video that some of you have seen before. It is a tribute to my mother.
Peter: I use my iPad for recording. It's not great, but better than my old digital camera. I'd prefer to plug my piano into the computer and record audio directly, but I am unable to mix it with video. Windows Movie Maker stopped working when I upgraded to Windows 8.
Newman, Inlanding: Final Fantasy is a series of role playing games originating from Japan. It is known for excellent storyline and music. My song is directly from one of these games, but there are also Piano Collections with arrangements played by concert pianists. There have even been concert tours in Japan featuring fully orchestrated arrangements. (Not of Mako Reactor though, this is just a simple tune.) Most of this music was composed by Nobuo Uematsu. You can find several pieces in the ABF Recital Index. Those piano collections, and Beethoven, are the reason why I started playing. I want to learn to make such beautiful music
I think everyone here is familiar with the "curse" of recording. I guess the trick is to not think about the fact that you are recording. I wish I knew how. The worst for me is when I've made it past the difficult places, and I think "yay, I'm getting through without mistakes". As soon as happens, I make a mistake.
Artur - Falling Leaves Great playing! We all have the same issue when we hit that Rec button… It is normal. Allard - Final Fantasy Great playing. Very relaxed and very rhythmic indeed!!
Inlanding - It is great that you are back!! I hope to hear you play something here again soon.
Starr Keys - I am so sorry to hear that your mother passed away….
Newman - In Love with Love - a catchy tune performed with your usual excellent vocal. A very clear and crisp recording. Did you upgrade your recording device?
Allard, you need a free programme to assist here for recording. VideoPad and Wavepad will handle whatever you need. I can do it, anybody can! Have fun! Peter
Thank you Newman, Weiyan, Allard, stumbler, Amaruk, and BillM for your kind words. I almost didnt' make that video because I was so unhappy with the vocal. Now, I'm so glad I did.
Glen: improvisation always amazes me. How can you just sit down and play something, while it takes me hours to get a song without playing the wrong notes. Sounds fun, too.
Newman - In Love with Love - a catchy tune performed with your usual excellent vocal. A very clear and crisp recording. Did you upgrade your recording device?
Thanks, Bill. Same Zoom H1 as I have been using ... but placed a little differently.
Inlanding - so glad you made your way back into the bar. What a fun and lively improv. Your hands move around the keyboard effortlessly - cool bass line. Like someone else said, I just wish it were longer.
I've been out of the loop for most of the month. Starr Keys I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. We are going through the same tragic affair with my wife's Dad right now. It is any day. But it is good if you can be there at the end.
Here is my entry for Jan. This is done much slower than the way your would normally hear this song, but I like it as a ballad. I'm also trying to put some elements from difficult transcription that I found in here - so there's no way I could do it super fast. All the Things You Are
Kenjazz - I know this is a jazz standard due to the thread here that analyzes this piece but must confess I've never heard it before. I enjoyed the laid back and relaxed arrangement. Your fluid and smooth style is showcased nicely with this one. Cool vibes solo.
Kenjazz - I know this is a jazz standard due to the thread here that analyzes this piece but must confess I've never heard it before. I enjoyed the laid back and relaxed arrangement. Your fluid and smooth style is showcased nicely with this one. Cool vibes solo.
Thanks BillM. I finished the blog post for this one that has some details about the song and the transcription that I took some pieces from for the solo
It's been a while since I visited the piano bar on the ABF. I took a listen to some of the great submissions and I'm in aw of the exceptional music I hear... outstanding!
I'm afraid I haven't been too inspired lately to write a new original tune, but I was listening to some of my older original tunes today and had forgotten about this one...
I'm so sorry for your loss, Starr Keys. Your song touched me. It was a lovely tribute to your mother. I'm so glad you were able to see her all the time you were there. Hugs.
Artur: Autumn Leaves is one of my all time favorites and you played it well.
Allard: I enjoyed the persistent and ominous bass pattern. Lovely melody.
Thank you, Bill and Peter for watching and commenting on my Orphee. I appreciate your kind remarks and encouragement. Thanks, too, Inlanding, for your comments on my Aristocat Scales and Arps. I do enjoy playing that piece very much. It's always the first piece I play when I sit at the piano.
Ken Jazz - very smooth rendition of this one. Candlelight piano - very atmospheric Rick - welcome back! That's a great example of blues tune. well done.
Fabulous entries from all the regulars this month. Welcome back Glen and Rickster. And a delight to see so many new folks out as well (peterws, Wish4Thing, SiSlermi, Artur, Allard.) Sorry if I missed anyone, or if you are not new, but I thought you were new . Very enjoyable listening and great job everyone.
Here is a number I put together this week. Its a bit of a break and contrast from my recital practice (Schubert and Mendelssohn.)
It never ceases to amaze me how these billion dollar rock bands can make such a production around one chord (excuse me 3 chords if you include the bridge.) I'm not knocking it though. It really is very clever I think.
This tune of course, originated from Acoustic guitar, so I took some liberties with it for piano. At any rate, hope you enjoy my rendition of;
Kenjazz: definitely like it at this tempo. Jazz is a world of music I know nothing about. Much to discover!
Candlelightpiano: what a pretty piano! The song is nice too. Reminds me a bit of Einaudi; slow, setting the mood with repeating chords and a melody that sounds very good.
Rick: wow! You just did three things I can't do: speak on camera, play blues, and sing while playing.
Greener: nice playing. I hope you don't blame me for looking forward to your Schubert, however .
I posted to the October or November piano bar, so not entirely new, but I'm far from a regular. Didn't feel like sharing my crappy Christmas tunes! I'm going to try monthly posts to the bar. It's a nice way to share finished pieces. Now to learn a new song every month...
Thanks for listening to the Floyd and nice feedback.
Originally Posted By: peterws
I find P Floyd somewhat depressing at times.
I see what you mean. Personally, I would not classify it as depressing, but definitely dark. This is in a minor key and works well for just this affect. Kind suits my mood this week I guess .
Originally Posted By: Allard
I posted to the October or November piano bar, so not entirely new, but I'm far from a regular
Sorry, Allard. Yes, indeed, I do remember. And, I look forward to hearing more from you too.
"I hope you don't blame me for looking forward to your Schubert"
Not at all. I am too. It won't be great deal more uplifting then this one though
Thank you peterws, BillM, Artur, stumbler, Newman, Allard, for taking the time to acknowledge and your encouragement is so very much appreciated!
Kenjazz~ Very nice arrangement you put together for All The Things You Are. It's a wonderful ballad, beautifully done. I prefer the ballad version of this standard rather over the 200bpm version one hears all too commonly.
candlelightpiano~ I've never heard of Philip Glass until your tune. The sustain pedal really helps hold the melody. Very sensitively played, indeed.
Rickster~ I enjoyed, I Thought You Loved Me Baby, the first time I heard it. Thanks for bringing it back into the mix. Such good energy you bring with all your music. I toured your YouTube channel again and what fun it is to watch you play and sing!
Jeff~ I am a huge Pink Floyd fan. Great work with, Is There Anybody Out There. As well, you wrote a terrific arrangement - such skill to do that by ear.
I’ve decided that I have a couple of major shortcomings with my piano playing… first, I can’t seem to play a tune all the way through without making a bobble/mistake; and second, I seem to have a problem maintaining the same tempo… I’ll start out at one tempo and get faster and faster. I guess I’m just hyper!
I know I haven’t commented on all the presentations here individually, but they are all great!
Thanks to Allard and Inlanding, too. I appreciate your taking the time to watch and comment and I'm so glad you enjoyed my little Philip Glass piece. His pieces are usually quite long, which has been difficult for me as I'm still recovering from a hand injury. Hopefully, I'll be able to play some of his longer pieces later on.
What a lovely ballad! I was enjoying listening to you with a glass of wine and looking out on a moonlit night. I could imagine couples dancing cheek to cheek as you played.
I've been listening to my own performance of Orphee and comparing it to Paul Barnes' who is the Philip Glass "expert." I think I played the triplets (the first three notes of the piece. It appears a few more times in the piece) too slowly. When I concentrate on the LH, I can hear where I slow down for the triplets. I'll re-work it and maybe post it again in another month's piano bar. Thank you all for listening and for your encouraging comments.
I THOUGHT YOU LOVED ME BABY: I enjoyed it so much, Rick! Love your piano playing and singing. Wish I could play piano like that. Please be inspired and bring us more great tunes like this!
IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE: Lovely, haunting melody, Greener. Amazing what you can do with a chord! The repeated bass reminds me of The House of the Rising Sun, a song I've always loved.
Well, guys, I just realized I posted 7 times in a row! That's what happens when you're sleepless in Winnipeg. I'll disappear for a little while now I'm all caught up. Thanks so much, all, for the great music. I really love this thread.
Thank you everyone for the kind words about All The Things You Are. My Father-in-Law did pass away on Friday night. A wonderful man. I'd like to share this short tribute...
There are two days to Feb. There are many good music.
Inlanding: the short improvisation is very nice. I really enjoy it. Kenjazz: All the Things You Are, its very good piece. The Amazing Grace is so special. candlelightpiano: The video is very good, your playing is very good too. I like the Orphee's Bedroom.
Rickster: I tought you love all of us, for you sing this lovely blues to us. Thank you.
Greener: Your renditon of Pink Floyd is so good. The arpeggio like guitar.
I already have so many collections of tunes I'll never get thru them all, but this is way tempting 
I see definite improvement in smoothness and expressiveness. Keep it up!
You've inspired me to try to redo it, though..
