Fear and Doubt vs Reality

Interesting how I worked on my two piano songs today and the thought process that may have been going on recently.
As I ended working on song one "These Foolish Things," and continue to work on song two "Somewhere," the thought goes on something like: uh oh. My interest is going to fade because I'm going to forget song one, learn song two, etc. Its almost like I abandon my other child (song 1) in favor of the new baby (song 2). Hat tip to Billy Joel for the analogy of new songs = new born babies. Other thought creep in too, like: the old problems will resurface...I'm going to confuse parts of songs....
But I'm noticing a funny thing. Reality. I can still play song one ok while working on song 2. A couple of possible contributors:
A) I took my time learning song
One until it was learnt to
Play at a DECENT speed.
B) No rush to learn!

September 11, 2012

Had some time today and continued work on "Somewhere." Also did a little "These Foolish Things."

Somewhere begins

Worked on the first four measures of the song "Somewhere." Starting to get worried already that I'll forget "These Foolish Things!"

Choice Made

Made a choice for song number 2: "Somewhere," that beautiful song from West Side Story. I did it in the past, but now I really want to nail it. The Philadelphia Eagles won today, but they didn't look too good...

Picture Day (Part 4)

Here's a picture of my dad fooling around with my brother's guitar. My dad is "a cool rockin' daddy in the USA" to quote Mr. Bruce Springsteen!

Picture Day (Part 3)

Directly across from the piano. If you look closely, you'll see a picture of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band from about 1980, a picture of the one and only Louis Armstrong, and a picture of Frank "Tram" Trumbauer (he used to play sax with Bix Beiderbecke.

Picture Day (Part 2)

Here's my piano workstation (it's a discontinued Yamaha YDP-113).

Picture Day!

Here are some pictures of my current music machines: my Martin D16RGT, and my Korean made PRS.

"Born to Run" album cover 2012 ?

Just me and our sax/bass/keyboard player.

"These Foolish Things"

Broke my rule and decided to post my play. Here's "These Foolish Things," and you may need to copy and paste the link below:https://www.box.com/shared/5pf9n695sg76yudtz9dgNow on to song two....

September 6, 2012

Still working on "These Foolish Things." Interesting how carelessness sneaks in; spent some time tonight trying to get things right. Difficult to practice at night when tired and concentration diminishes.

September 5, 2012

Still working on "All the Things You Are." Its coming along OK. Keep on getting tempted to get into Gypsy Jazz on guitar... Edit on 9/10/12: I think I meant to say, "These Foolish Things" instead of "All the Things You Are!"

September 4, 2012

Continue to work on "These Foolish Things."

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, etc.

A great musical weekend. Started Friday playing for my coworker's wedding. Then last night saw Bruce Springsteen in concert in Philadelphia. What a fantastic show, indeed. Thanks, Bruce! My seat was way in the back in the 400 level up top, but no matter. Sound was great and I can see ok. What a great rock and roller. The best rock and roller out there, in my opinion, up there with the Rolling Stones. Won't spoil it for any readers who may see the show, but it rocked, and was also thoughtful. A highlight for me was when he played "Mona" and then went right into "She's the One." I've heard him do this in the past on a recording, but never really though I'd get to see him do it live. His rapport with the audience and showmanship, not to mention his musicianship, band, and songwriting, is phenomenal. On the way to and from Philly I listened to the David Sudnow course again, and continued work on "These Foolish Things."

Blue Moon . . .

After much hard work, me, the mandolin player, and our lead singer played for a wedding service last night. Really went well. Song list from us included:1) Blue Moon {with vocals} - (there was indeed a blue moon last night)2) The Wedding Song3) You're My Home4) We Are Many Parts5) When You Say Nothing at All (featuring the bride's daughter on lead vocal)6) Blue Moon(instrumental)Was really quite beautiful. The pastor really helped by providing us with microphones and sound system. Glad to report that our music probably helped make the day even more memorable for the bride and groom.Continued my work today on piano with "These Foolish Things."