I watched the HBO special "When the Levees Broke: Katrina" by director Spike Lee. The background music in a lot of it was some of the most haunting solo piano (okay, it had a touch of reverb). I was so moved that I resolved to play only acoustic piano for a year (like Paris Hilton swearing off sex for a year). However, like Paris, I suspect that I'll be overcome by lust (or in my case, electro-lust) long before the year is over. In fact, I wonder how "Feelings" would sound with a Hip-Hop style...

chas

Chas;

Interesting!! I've got a gig coming up in September for a wedding cocktail hour. The bride and her mother specifically said, they don't want electronic keyboards just acoustic piano. The hotel it's at has a Yamaha grand. So the last week or so I started going over some piano solo stuff they requested that I haven't played in a while. Dam left hand has gotten real lazy from just playing chords on an arranger board

Bottom line is not a night goes by after going over the requested material that I don't put the CVP 307 into arranger mode. Nah, I couldn't only play acoustic piano for a year.

If they are not dancing I feel they would welcome a straight piano plus whatever.

For myself I have taken my acoustic guitar out of the case and I am enjoying arrangements I have not played for years. The electric guitar is staying in the case for now.

Nothing stays the same, changes are always happening – soooo, in some areas acoustic music (live music) is starting to show it’s face.

John C.

7 or 8 years ago I played at a Double Tree Inn[hotel]....They had a nice grand piano..Many great piano players worked there...and pay was $100 a night no matter who you were..

You really had to work hard to earn tips to make it worth while.

Though they pretty much wanted an acoustic performance, I used a electronic keyboard ,along with the piano, for bass and accent sounds..some drums...You had to use a sound system for vocals anyway, so a little electronics was not a big deal..

Most of the guys and gals playing there were strictly piano players...They did sound great, but 3 or 4 hours of just piano does get a little tiresome to listen to.....

I would find it insane to not have electronic goodies for a year....

Chas that will be GREAT for your chops. I frequently play only acoustic piano or guitar(well, the acoustic guitars have piezos and pre-amps, so technically...?). In fact, I just bought a double-neck acoustic Ovation (a 12 and a 6) to use out. Alwasy keep a nylon string Godin on the bandstand to play 10-15 tunes a night.

Used to be an in demand upright player, but now have severe wrist/arm problems. Occasionally use a Zeta crossover which also has a piezo.


Bang on, bud!


Russ

PS "Feelings" in any style? Please say it isn't so!

[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 08-24-2006).]

Don't worry, it's not. Just crackin' wise.

chas

Well, here it is with a punk-rock sound compliments of The Offspring.

Click Here (Windows Media Streaming)



-mike


[This message has been edited by msutliff (edited 08-24-2006).]

Me, too, Chas, Me too! Believe me, I GOT IT!


Regards,

Russ

Hey, Mike...GREAT...much better than the original! What a hoot! Finally, some FUN surfaces around here!

Russ

In 1976, I was camping Europe solo and spent one night in a horribly overcrowded youth camping site above Florence, Italy. It was a weekend and there was (!) "entertainment". Local Italian rock bands.

One group played "Feelings" in a style very much like the one you provided. At highest volume. About 27 times that evening.

I still wake up in the middle of the night, hearing the noise of that music, and fearing I am still in that campground (the girls were pretty interesting, though)!

As I recall from my dark past, pretty girls and lots of brandy make most music sound better.

Regards,


Russ

The reverse is also true. Most music and lots of brandy makes most girls prettier (especially around closing time) .

chas

Been there, too, bud!

Russ