Well it's the evening of February 1st here in Sydney. So, time to kick off the bar!
Lately I've adopted a habit recommended by Glen/InLanding, to have the recorder going even when practicing. Which is something I used to do years ago when 'writing'. In fact this song "Y.O.U" is one of those, originally written 1981 'for guitar' for which I've now developed a piano version (and it's very different from my original). It's kind of Donald Fagen meets Randy Newman.
It's really difficult for me to play at this stage. And this recording is the first time I played it through with only a couple of small mistakes (and not whoppers). In fact those keen enough to listen to the end and then wait a few moments will hear a little something which I've left in for fun - I was hardly aware that I had done it until I listened to the recording.
Thanks, it's one of those really simple pieces that also happen to sound beautiful. I wasn't sure if I should even post it because it's something that takes only a minute to learn but then I decided to do so. Why not
Originally Posted By: Newman
Well it's the evening of February 1st here in Sydney. So, time to kick off the bar!
Lately I've adopted a habit recommended by Glen/InLanding, to have the recorder going even when practicing. Which is something I used to do years ago when 'writing'. In fact this song "Y.O.U" is one of those, originally written 1981 'for guitar' for which I've now developed a piano version (and it's very different from my original). It's kind of Donald Fagen meets Randy Newman.
It's really difficult for me to play at this stage. And this recording is the first time I played it through with only a couple of small mistakes (and not whoppers). In fact those keen enough to listen to the end and then wait a few moments will hear a little something which I've left in for fun - I was hardly aware that I had done it until I listened to the recording.
Is that you singing? I like it both the piano and the voice. You have a perfect voice for this style of music.
Newman - You Loved it - as always!! Amazing that you wrote this piece over 30 years ago! If you have the guitar version, please post a link to it too as it would be interesting to listen to also.
Teodor - Resident Evil Great playing! It seems like your cat loved your playing too...
Here is my piano bar piece for this month; 'Concerning Hobbits' from the movie Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. I borrowed my oldest sons lego for the intro...
Newman - You Loved it - as always!! Amazing that you wrote this piece over 30 years ago! If you have the guitar version, please post a link to it too as it would be interesting to listen to also.
Thanks. (I have songs older yet!I started writing in 1968). If you'd like to hear the first version here it is:
Recorded in my friend's lounge room - he's on bass and his wife background vocals, me guitar and vocals and a cheap drum machine - all through my Fender Twin amp and straight on to my old Philips boom box cassette tape recorder (a great machine). I was listening to a lot of Little Feat at the time.
Amaruk - Nicely done. It suits your playing style. I admire the way you always take such care with the presentation. And two pianos!
I'm not sure why but when I was just thinking of your playing style I could hear you playing the theme to Dr Kildaire! If you don't know it I'm sure it's out there on YouTube (isn't everything?).
Newman - Y.O.U. - You have a good, rollicking rock-n-roll voice. This is a fun piece and I bet you are having big fun doing this one. Yes, you did do it!
Amaruk - a captivating piece. You always pick such strong melodies and themes and perform them beautifully. Your Roland responds so nicely to your light touch. This piano has such a well balanced sound - clear treble and gutsy bass.
Newman - You (1981) Thanks for sharing the original! It is great!! It helps understanding your piano solo version of it. I am impressed by the recording quality given that this is from 1981. Great job!
Weiyan A great piece and great performance! And I completely agree with Bill that it makes for a very interesting video when you uncover your piano like this exposing its action. Thanks for sharing!
Peterws - An interesting arrangement, very full and well played. It kept me interested in a song I've heard (and played) close to too often. It was one of my late mother's most favourite songs and I always played it for her.
I prepared this rag for reddit's January Piano Jam and am sharing it with this nice community as well. I'd love more piano players to be acquainted with the full range of pieces written by Scott Joplin and the other great ragtime composers.
Newman~ Fantastic original lyrics and melody line. I am so glad you captured Y.O.U. the way you did. You have a fine sense of rhythm and your enthusiasm shows in your music and voice. Loved the final comment! Great way to start the February piano bar, for sure.
Teodor~ Pretty nice original music there - very good. Cute cat.
Amaruk~ Another fine multi-media presentation. As usual, you play with a great deal of sensitivity and patience, as though you are listening very carefully to what you play.
Weiyan~ Great video - I like your interpretation very much - one of your best!
Peterws~ beautiful playing and accompaniment to an incoming tide against the rocky shore. Thank you!
Whizbang~ I'll listen to Scott Joplin any time - he is my favorite Ragtime composer. I appreciate very much that you did not rush this beautiful melody and brought out some subtle dynamics.
Inlanding That was quite the improvisation!! I liked it so much I wanted more… way more! The good thing with youtube is that you can play it again so easily. I see that you are taking part in the ABF recital this month too. I am looking forward to hear that piece also! Thanks for sharing!!
Augustina Great playing! I never watched that movie (seems too sad) but this piece is very beautiful.
Inlanding - This is a very modern semijazz style which I greatly admire. But I find myself on the periphary Deep in the mire So I cannot aspire. But can instead perspire . .
Is there a village Idiot`s guide to this style?
Augustina - Schindler`s List wasn`t a barrel o` laughs. And you conveyed that very well.
Two... I know... Well, we actually have three pianos in our music room.
My grand I use most of the time when I practice and the rest of the family is OK with it (or don't say anything at least...). The digital piano I am performing on in this video I use when I want to record or to play along with my son who then plays on the AP.
My other DP lacks speakers and I use it for practice at night. Recording a DP with speakers makes things much easier as I can use the speaker sound for synchronizing the recorded sound (internal to the DP) and the sound from the cameras. My video editor even does this automatically which is really great. Synchronizing one camera and the DP sound manually is tricky and if you add a second camera to the mix it does not get any easier.
Augustina~ Your interpretation of John William's composition is beautifully done. Glad you brought it out again.
Thank you Amaruk ~ So glad you liked the quick improvisation idea. At some point I will start to make these a bit longer, but still working on getting through the nerve injuries which makes practice happen at a premium.
Newman~ Thanks for the mention - I am glad you found an older tune to bring out - it was fantastic. So glad you liked the hand-dance.
Originally Posted By: peterws
Inlanding - This is a very modern semijazz style which I greatly admire. But I find myself on the periphary Deep in the mire So I cannot aspire. But can instead perspire . .
Is there a village Idiot`s guide to this style?
Peter~ thanks for the acknowledgement! That was an original free-play improvisation. Some improv and free-play tunes on my YouTube channel might sound like they are influenced by a more familiar/relatable style.
Weiyan - What a nice melody. You get more musical with every submission.
Peterws - You captured the feel of those waves washing over you.
Whizbang - I hadn't heard Joplin's Paragon Rag before. Transported me right to the honky-tonk saloon, where I could see you playing in bowtie and red arm garters.
Augustina - I remember your Schindler submission from a year ago. Well done.
peterws~~ left off that last chord, yes...not sure why, it just happened by accident. I've not spent much time reading other threads, but I hope those guys get things worked out.
Jimf~~ I really appreciate your encouragement!
Mark...~~Thanks so much - - - I'll have to give 7notemode's channel a listen - that guy can really cook!
Here are a few tunes from August, November and December 2012, perhaps okay as background music? Thanks for indulging
Inlanding A nice trio of easy listening jazz/blues . . . I heard ya sneeze at the end o` the second . . .
I`m in this restaurant see, getting late, the piano`s playing, the atmosphere`s intimate, somewhere in the heart of the English Lakes on a warm summer night. The windows are open, my lady`s sat opposite in her best short frock. I`ve kicked off my shoes, and my right foot has found it`s own way, somehow, along the inside of said lady`s thigh . . . the piano keeps playin . . . nobody knows what`s going on.
Then I glance at the table cloth - it`s an awful lot shorter than I thought . .
Ahh, Short Table Cloth Blues, eh? Sounds like a great time, albeit a bit of a situation, though. Did you manage to get a bite? ...and it's a good thing the piano player at your restaurant kept his focus.
Glad you liked the renditions, and I was pretty distracted by the phone ringing on one of them.
PeterWS - Conshorto your own work? Nicely done Stumbler - Lady Campbell certainly liked those those little trills Inlanding - I love the swing of Sneeze and the cool blue of Still Evening
Here's another original, written around 1984-86 (I was trying to emulate Bowie when I first wrote it). I'm not sure how well it works "converted" to piano. I wasn't going to post it ... but after hours of work on it ...
[b][/b]BenPiano - nice, has a familiar ring to it from one of the better known classical pieces (which as an ignorant in these matter I can't name). When the camera went out of focus the first time I thought it was me!
Stumbler - Good bit o` Scottish dourness here, man! Somrthing to do wi the weather . . . .or the midges! Sounds good on the piano; you could add bagpipes . . .
Here is a song by Harry Chapin from 1974. I liked the way he told stories in his music. This is one of my favorites of his. I took some liberties with the lyrics and eliminated the second verse but you can still get the picture.
A few hour later, year of Dragon is over and year of Snake is commencing. At this moment, better to enjoy music.
Kung Hei Fat Choi 恭 喜 發 財
peterws: Your interpretation of Sailing is very special. It has some feeling of new age. Never mind minor mistakes, for those mistake make the music perfect. The comtemplation is very good.
Whizbang: This is my first time hear the paragon Rag. I enjoy this expressive rag. I also like playing rag, but its too hard for me at this moment.
Glen: I like your short improvisations. You are a good improviser. Your background music is very nice.
Augustina: Schindler's list is one of my favor. This is my first time hear piano cover. Its very nice.
Mark...: The jazz piano is very good.
Stumbler: Lady Campbells Jig is simple. I like this kind of fiddle tunes.
Newman: Your singing is so good. The piano comp is very good too.
BenPiano: Stephen Heller's piece is very good. After some pop pieces, this is really fresh.
Newman - Bit more wobble in the voice needed for Bowie. Particularly these days! Maybe you have now . . . . sorry ha ha Dunno how ya play piano and sing. But you do it well, man!
Ben Piano - very Beethovenesque, a la "Moonlight" wi a bit o` Back twisted in. And the piano sounded as clear as a digital . . best acoustic I`ve heard,
BillM - Excellent, man. Dunno who Harry Chapin is, but I just thought "Kate Bush". She was a contemporary, and her music was soooo similar. . . enigmatic.
Newman - Great tune - you have a spectacular voice. I noted the "I did it" at the end. I'm either cursing at myself or quietly saying "I did it" at the end of each recording attempt!
(the '81 version is pretty sweet too - nice guitar funk goin' on there )
Inlanding - I always enjoy your compositions. This one (Consequence) has an elegant feel that is a little different than what I'm used to hearing from you. I like the assertive bass line.
stumbler - One of the things I like best about the Piano Bar is the diversity of music styles performed here. This piece lends itself quite well to the piano and you do a wonderful job of keeping up the tempo on this tune. Love the trills.
I only seem to record around recital time these days. Here's another one, a long time favorite of mine. A couple more to go.
And I'm sorry about the video quality. I'm not trying to be artsy - my camera just can't focus here for some reason. I had to move it because my recital piece demanded freedom on the left side of the piano where the camera normally is
I recorded all of these at the same time, so my latest batch all have this problem, including my recital piece.
nice, has a familiar ring to it from one of the better known classical pieces
It sounds a little like the first movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. Perhaps the reason for the subtitle "Souvenir of Beethoven"
Originally Posted By: Newman
When the camera went out of focus the first time I thought it was me!
No, not you - just my crappy camera!
Originally Posted By: peterws
Ben Piano - very Beethovenesque, a la "Moonlight" wi a bit o` Back twisted in. And the piano sounded as clear as a digital . . best acoustic I`ve heard,
Many thanks! My piano sounds great, not because of my amateur playing, but because it was just tuned a few hours before I recorded this! My tuner is awesome.
Originally Posted By: BillM
BenPiano - Love the artsy focus changes.
More fartsy than artsy unfortunately - my camera couldn't focus for some reason where it was placed this time (and subsequent recordings).
After this and previous malevolence, I fired the cameraman.
Thanks again, everyone, for taking the time to both listen and comment!
I'm really sorry, I blasted all of my comments with a simple click - I'm trying to recreate them as best as possible
Newman - Great, I've had this song stuck in my head now all weekend long!
Weiyan - it's nice to see the action of the hammers!
peterws - you play this very comfortably and fluid - no pun intended whizbang - I really liked this, and have struggled with Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag. This one, perhaps, sounds a little easier to attempt, but Joplin's stuff is always much more difficult than it sounds! Augustina - That was great - perhaps your best yet!
Mark... - I thought you got a digital there for a minute! Stumbler - Nice trills and clear confidence - awesome!
Stumbler~ Lady Campbell's Jig is a beautiful melody, beautifully played.
BenPiano~ Your Stephen Heller Duetto is really pretty. That focus problem might be related to the lighting. If you use a more flat light without reflection coming from the piano, it might solve the problem. Regardless, your playing is really fantastic! Your Traumerei is most excellent. I have some half-hearted attempts at getting this one presentable and it still eludes me. Great work and I hope to hear it again as it matures under your fingers. It is a keeper - don't lose this one from your already fine repertoire.
BillM~ Cats in the Cradle - it's been years since I've heard this. Your playing and singing style is perfect for this melody. Your steady accompaniment is always spot-on. I liked the solo breaks. Great work, Bill!
Elssa~ as before, I like this rendition of Over the Rainbow. Thanks for bringing it back.
Thanks, Glen, but I actually just recorded this new rendition over the weekend. Need to get the keyboard fixed now, contacts cleaned, etc, but I had fun with it.
Ah, Elssa - that's it. I was thinking of your rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow that this one reminded me (from a couple of years ago). Very consistent playing - great work, indeed.
Thanks, Newman: Well, I usually just take a plain E-Z leadsheet like this one and then reharmonize a few of the chords*, add in some of my runs/fills & stuff:
Elssa - that`ll never go out of fashion, relaxed easy listening. What a beast you`re playing! I notice your fingers tend to remain near the edge of the keyboard. Wish I could do that wi mine . . .
Ive been trying out my new ipad just a little fun video, messing around.
Its very cool this ipad though and so easy to upload to youtube just wish I could get a better angle. Anyone managed to get something above the keyboard with their ipad? and if so how did you do it?
I was gonna make a suitable mounting facility and nail it to the cupboard above my head. That`ll please `er indoors . . . but if I can buy something to match the furniture . . well, could be in business!
I was just fooling around really. Just testing my new toy but that angle is not good enough. Hope the new mount works really well because uploading to YouTube is a piece of cake
Here is a new arrangement. Miss Miller of Glenlee's Strathspey from William Shepherd's 1st collection. The playing is still a bit rough (especially the 4 on 3 bits)
Newman, I don't think all strathspey's are named after women, but all of the ones in the William Shepherd collections are. I've been using his collections as source material for learning arrangement. I obtained the fiddle scores from the Highland Music Trust. They don't have a lot of information on Mr. Shepherd. I wonder if he was obtaining funding by offering to name his compositions after people. "Hey Mr. Miller, I bet your wife would love it if you paid to have a strathspey composed for her"
Strathspeys are normally in 4/4, though this one was 2/2 in the original. I scored it as 4/4, but the left hand is all triplets.
This was a first take/one take wonder. I got from beginning to end in one go without any huge mistakes (there's a first time for everything).
It's another old song of mine from 1980/81 recreated as a piano number. I humbly suggest it's in the style of English pop songs that goes from Ray Davies of the Kinks to Difford and Tilbook of Squeeze (well, that was my aim anyway).
Seaside_Lee~ nice montage of music from the UK! Thanks for bringing it to the bar!
stumbler~ another fine Strathspey from you. Such a pretty melody and storyline your bring to the fore with this piece.
Newman~ Another Day, Another Drama! haha! What a great title. I really like the upbeat rhythm and fun lyrics. You must have quite a lot of other recordings yet-to-be-released. Look forward to more for sure.
Hey Stumbler . . . I take it you`re a Scot! D`ya live in that area perchance? It`s a nice part o` the world in Summer I believe. . .not as dour as the music might suggest!
Newman - "Amother Day another Drama" followed by "She`s leaving home" . . . . .Good stuff, man! Fun isn`t it? You`ll have to get together wi Bill . . .
Here`s one I had to work bloody hard at. On Piano No 3, the out of tune one. Me fingers are stuck at full stretch permanantly now; I look funny walking down the street heh heh (Sorry, Simon. Sorry Garfunkel . . .)
Actually I'm only a quarter Scott, a grandmother from Edinburgh. I've been there once, but it was in May---so fairly pleasant. I'm in Canada, far enough away, hopefully, to be safe from their retribution for what I've been doing to their music
BTW, what was the bird in the pictures? It looks a little like what call a robin over here---which isn't a robin, but actually a thrush---but way too small.
Hi Stumbler . . these are the Friendly Neighbourhood Robins. They get fed by the hotel guests who just happen to be outside the door. Smoking . . .to which the management is sympathetic. . .
Peterws - nice work and a very full sound. Is that the view from your backyard? Wow. Mark - Congratulations on the cross over hands. I wouldn't try it myself yet.
Backyard? Heh heh. Hotel window, my friend! Celebs get there now and again to discuss business . . . but in January, it`s cheap. Which is why me and `er were there . . . .
Jazzwee, it didn't click the first time I listened to it, but after listening to a couple other versions on you tube, I went back to yours and it made a lot more sense. Nice performance.
There is such a wonderful mix of music in this thread every month. I have to admit to being a bit intimidated by it, but I decided to join you. Stumbler I absolutely love the Scottish music you have been contributing!
Here are a couple of pieces from my evening sight reading stack.
Every time I try to record something for the recital this piece feels like my theme song: From the Wizard of Oz - If I only had a Brain
Sometimes I find the problem is my brain, especially when recording. My brain chooses the most inopportune times to pop up and say "look here comes that section that you always make a mistake" or "no mistakes so far and you are almost at the end of the piece --- gotcha !!"
I can taste the beer and smell the ciggies . . . .(just my imagination running away wi me . . ) Maybe you can smoke in bars where you live? Love the music!
Peterws - Your Bridge Over Troubled water is outstanding. I was going to post my version for the recital, but glad I didn't after hearing yours. You just nailed the piano part, and I love your bluesy improvised ending.
Jazzwee - very cool. Did you add reverb to the recording or is that the room's natural sound. Either way, this is a fine performance and recording. The piano solo was worth the wait - you saved the best for last.
SwissMS - I liked both of your pieces but was really taken by If I Only Had a Brain. Somehow you managed to capture both the playful spirit and the melancholy of this great song. It is now stuck in my head.
I was experimenting with the placement of my Zoom when I recorded this. On this one I sat it on the music desk of my piano. While I liked the sound, being so close seems to have distorted the video somewhat and gave it a fishbowl effect (I'm a young Asian woman). I beat the heck out of the piano on the ending but surprisingly it did not distort.
If I could ever learn to play it as well as you I'd be a happy young Asian woman.
jazzwee~ I'd not heard Beatrice until now. Great combo work. Your phrasing is outstanding Glen
Thanks Glen! Not an easy tune to play and make a story. I still struggle with it. Seems to work better when I do less.
Originally Posted By: stumbler
Jazzwee, it didn't click the first time I listened to it, but after listening to a couple other versions on you tube, I went back to yours and it made a lot more sense. Nice performance.
Thank you stumblr! It's not a very well known tune.
Originally Posted By: Mark...
jazzwe great stuff, I had it playing as some nice background music while I was surfing the net...
Thanks Mark!
Originally Posted By: BillM
Jazzwee - very cool. Did you add reverb to the recording or is that the room's natural sound. Either way, this is a fine performance and recording. The piano solo was worth the wait - you saved the best for last.
Thanks Bill! As always, your performances bring not only an appreciation for your talent but also memories since your selections are from my youth.
Jazzwee - I'm curious to know what you mean by "Not an easy tune to play and make a story". Bill - You seemed to free up a bit more than usual on this one. Nice going. I've been working on it on and off for a good while but it's beyond me. Well done. SwissMS - I really liked Splash of Indigo (who wrote it?)
I was experimenting with the placement of my Zoom when I recorded this. On this one I sat it on the music desk of my piano. While I liked the sound, being so close seems to have distorted the video somewhat and gave it a fishbowl effect (I'm a young Asian woman). I beat the heck out of the piano on the ending but surprisingly it did not distort.
If I could ever learn to play it as well as you I'd be a happy young Asian woman.
Round of applause from the guy sipping the whiskey at the 'Bar'. Bill, that was a pleasure to listen to. Absolutely fantastic performance, really enjoyed it. Bravo!
Bill- That was so very entertaining! Your accompaniment and delivery combined with your voice goes so well together - lots of passion. Without question, this is your best yet, and they keep getting better all the time.
Jazzwee - I'm curious to know what you mean by "Not an easy tune to play and make a story".
Hi Newman. As you know we have to improvise a solo over it. The particular "changes" (chord progression) to Beatrice are unusual. They are not the typical ii-V's of most standards and yet it changes keys constantly. Also it's a slow swing which requires typically more 16 notes and a very precise timing when playing eighths.
Most of the musicians who've played it the first time with me don't do so well.
A good solo tells a story and there's some buildup. It is composition in real time. And we learn to do it based on experience with similar progressions we've worked on before. Being a unique chord progression, we tend to have nothing to draw from in terms of "vocabulary" (learned approaches).
Somebody on the Recital posting wanted to hear the full piece that I`d done (I only submitted the first part) so here it is, if you have a minute or six to spare (you can fast forward to the half way point if desired).
Lots of great music so far. The piano bar sure has been busy.
Here's my own arrangement of Just As I Am. I did not put a lot of work into it or spend that much time on it but it still turned out okay. Hope you enjoy!
Ladypayne There are several different tunes to this well known Methodist Hymn. This is my favourite. And it`s Sunday Morning. Thank you, missy! Well played!
Elssa - Blimey, playin` the ole joanna`s hard enough without all this other stuff! Very well done. It reminds me of the days of the electric organ, some of which were hugely expensive . . . like the price of a house!
I was thinking of saying "Why not try playing the bass melody (which is so effective) wi your left hand instead of crossing them?" but it might scramble your brains like it does to me . .
Peterws - Wow! This is really well done. The middle section has a cool island vibe and you flow seamlessly between the three sections. The video was fun - I thought my computer screen had gone blank at the beginning until the eyes started lighting up.
Elssa - If I Loved You - Great choice! One of my Youtube faves is Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones' version of this great song from Carousel. Your rendition has the same feel - well done!
Bill - Youtube sometimes gets video sequences out of time . . . dunno why but it ruins the intended effect. The original video is so much better but at least the sountrack`s OK!
peterws, some great stuff...its more than piano...its the accompaniment and the video work as well. You should share your tricks over on the video/audio production thread.
Elssa - Blimey, playin` the ole joanna`s hard enough without all this other stuff! Very well done. It reminds me of the days of the electric organ, some of which were hugely expensive . . . like the price of a house!
I was thinking of saying "Why not try playing the bass melody (which is so effective) wi your left hand instead of crossing them?" but it might scramble your brains like it does to me . .
So I won`t say it. . . .
Thanks, Peter.. Yes, it's always easier for me to play the melody with the right hand, being right handed, so I cross the paws now & then with the melody and avoid the "brain scramble", as you say. LOL I loved your "Contemplation" video... I'm a semi-retired electric organist and think the variety of sounds/settings is a lot of fun. Great arrangement:)
peterws - Contemplation is really beautiful. You clearly have a lot of talent1 I like the transitions. The mix of instruments and waves is really nice.
Elssa - Your right, they do not make musicals like this anymore. I really liked you styling of this piece, and the crossed hands was an interesting effect.
Ha ha - I`m not quite old enough to remember those old musicals. They never did back flips in those days either, and the clothes stayed on! HOW times have changed!!
I have to play this piece for my final exam in May. I can only play the first two pages so far. There are plenty of mistakes, and rhythm issues. But here is what I have so far;)
Hungary Rapsodie Mignonne Op. 410 by Carl Koelling
Ladypayne - Your best piece to date I think Elssa - I watch old movies all the time - including old musicals. Keep it up. Augustina - Sounds very tricky to play. Well done
Before the February piano bar spins to a close and makes way for the March bar, let me tell you I got to listen to a few contributions, unfortunately not all, of which I'm sure all are of fine quality.
BillM and Peterws, great jobs on that Simon & Garfunkel classic. Especially Peterws rendition, with no shadow cast on BillM's performance, the former was just so outstandingly good. Fine performance on the beautiful hymn Just As I Am, by ladypayne. Wasn't that hymn always performed at Billy Graham's crusades?
