Hi Tony,

I listened to your "Sonny Boy" and I thought it was perfect in every way. I could hear the sadness in your voice, I lost my 35 year old son on april this year and I can tell you that this song really hit me. Thanks for a wonderful rendition of it.

Wheelie.

Hi Scott,
Thanks for your kind words. If I ever get to play your Steinway make sure it is bolted to the floor! The ocean will be no barrier to me running off with it I used my old (very old) Technics PX-7 to control the 9000pro so that I had all the keyboard to play with. I had to learn it parrot fashion as well because i could not find the music for this. Given this I cannot claim credit for the arrangement but I am quite proud I managed to do it at all!

I have to admit I never gave the political implications a thought as I wanted to do the song because my Dad used to sing it to me. Still I do think that Jolson was acting out of respect as you say and certainly the times back then were very different and in some ways more innocent than today. Jolson was certainly a wonderful performer and I will always be grateful to my Dad that from a very early age he exposed me to all the great musicals, musical performers and music.

He had a great love of what he called 'real' music. He loved the musical films of Judy Garland, Doris Day, Gene Kelly, Fred Astair, and records were always playing in our house ..... everything from those above to Alma Cogan. I credit him with instilling in me a real passion for music. He taught me that no matter what else is going on in your life you can lose yourself in music like nothing else and that music can make most everything seem better.

Wheelie,
I am moved that you found some comfort in my rendition. Thankyou so much for saying so. I really do feel for you. As you know I lost my Dad a few months ago and although he was relatively young at sixty and I would give anything to have him back, it is the natural order of things I suppose that Father goes on ahead before Son.

I can only imagine what you must be going through to have lost a child. As I said before I consider that music is my Dads gift to me and the more I play and sing 'our songs' the closer I feel to him. I really hope that you have things to make you feel close to your Son. Being the same age as your Son I realise how little time you must feel you had with him, but count every day you had as a blessing and I am sure he will always be with you.
My very very best wishes for you and your family.

Tony

Hi Tony,

Thank you for your kind words and thoughts, I appreciate them. Also, thanks for the song.

Wheelie.

Wooooooooow! Great rendition of an old song I saw performed by Jolson when I was a youngster. Always loved this one and your piano expertise made it sound as good, if not better than the original.

Thanks Tony,

Gary

Tony,

My Dad left in "98. He went to Germany when I was a baby. When he came back from time to time he'd sing "Lilly Marlene". And another tune named "When the Post Man Delivered The Letter".

I'd better quit before my wife comes in and sees me like this and thinks I've lost my mind.

Wow old memories hurt and feel good at the same time.

Great Job Tony.... You've still got that cool sound!! You can tell it's Tony.. Oh almost forgot,, great new web site....
DJ

[This message has been edited by beachbum (edited 11-17-2003).]