During my early musical career, I recorded several hundred piano tapes (hundred, yes you heard me right).
By the time I moved to Texas, I recorded more tapes in my San Angelo studio. Unfortunately, most of my piano recordings wound up in boxes, carelessly stored in the garage, rotting away with neglect.
I finally decided to salvage as many as possible. It took over a year to transfer old, audio inferior tapes to mostly mp3 files. Fallible, but better than nothing. I later posted some on my YouTube channel (jayveesonata).
Of course, some skeptical people will say I'm a fraud, not really performing.
I respond with a resounding BULLSHIT!!! In my youthful heyday, I was an extraordinary professional pianist. Take it or leave it.
The following is an old blog post, made several years ago.
I'm rehashing it to flaunt one of my favorite piano arrangement/performances.
Jon
2021
During a lucid moment of creativity - sandwiched between a suffocating myriad of problems - I made this music video last night.
It only took about half an hour, but when I finished I discovered that I (somehow) screwed up the synchronization of the audio - so I had to do it all over again.
Some of you probably heard it before, when I previously posted it on SoundCloud.
Since this is one of my all-time favorite recordings, I decided to rehash it on video. Having absolutely no clue what to use for visuals, I decided to turn it into an autumnal theme.
This is my piano arrangement of the theme from The Apartment - a 1960 film starring Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon.
The music is composed by Charles Williams (1893-1978). Williams originally wrote this for the 1949 film The Romantic Age and at that time the theme was known by the title Jealous Lover.
Ironically, I've never seen the film The Apartment, but I've always loved the romantic music score.
In an uncharacteristic moment of blatant egotism, I'll admit that my piano arrangement is damn good and incredibly difficult. I used to perform it quite often when I lived in California.
Video is best viewed full-screen
Encore
Simply magnificent, thank you for posting it again.
ReplyDeleteYour talents are endless.
Jo
I really appreciate that, Jo. Thanks!
DeleteWow. Bravo! Just beautiful. I love the movie 'The Apartment'. I find it so 'of its time' in New York City'.... moody and atmospheric. A very early 60's feel. Being filmed in black and white helps with the mood. The Debussy is timeless. Please post more of your piano videos. Your talents are enviable. My parents had me take piano lessons and my teacher (I think) almost became an alcoholic due to my terrible sense of music. He was ready to pull his hair out! He had a talk with my parents, and I quickly disappeared off his student roster. Sometime I'll tell you about my French lessons as an adult. Yeow!
ReplyDeleteParanormal John
I never saw the movie "The Apartment", but we had a record with the movie theme on it when I was a child. I loved it and vowed I'd play it someday.
DeleteMy mother was my first piano teacher, and she had the patience of a saint. I was difficult - - I always wanted things my way.
Thanks, John.
What is wrong with people? Rhetorical. Thank you for the music. You are a talent.
ReplyDeleteSome people inspire me to completely give up and abandon ship. There are others who are worth keeping *smile*
DeleteI've never watched "The Apartment", but that theme song is one of my very favorite scores. (Imagine my disappointment when I once requested the ship's pianist play it and he had no idea what I was talking about.) Thank you for making time to recreate this video. I hope Heaven looks a little like this!
ReplyDeleteI remember your story about the ship's pianist. I don't think too many musician's can recall the theme from "The Apartment". I remember a lot of unique mobie themes. I have a very keen musical ear.
DeleteHeaven, indeed. Thanks, Myra.
Movie, not mobie
DeleteOn the contrary, I have no trouble believing you're playing piano in these videos. I'm not sure I can believe you were ever an extraordinary pianist in your youth, though. What happened between then and these somewhat sad videos?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, thanks for removing your post with the two AI images that you claimed were authentic photos from the past. You confirmed my suspicions, and I appreciate that!
Don't you have anything better to do?
DeleteIt's unfortunate that you're not creative and talented like me.
Hopefully you read my post entitled ANONYMOUS. It's dedicated to you.
DeleteAnon@3:21 what don’t you go “brighten” some other blog.
DeleteOur friend doesn’t need your crap!
-Rj
I started blogging years ago because a bully, who stayed anonymous, was putting mean, horrible things about a vulnerable young person I knew online. People who do this are cowards.
DeleteI’m here Jon! Pat/central Texas.
ReplyDeleteMine usually says anonymous, but I will always sign my name.
Jon, thanks for the music video from a film I have never seen as well. There is a simple way to end harassment and it’s delete. It seems that some folks have nothing better to do than bully others and doing so online somehow gives them power, how sad for them.
ReplyDeleteHi Jon! I just read your last post about anonymous commenters. YES, they are COWARDS hiding behind a computer keyboard! I have had my share and that is exactly why I moderate on my blogs. The last "coward" I had to deal with I set my blog to moderation and then responded in kind.
ReplyDeleteAnd I adore you too!!! :-)
P.S. https://thewiccalife.blogspot.com/2015/06/thats-right.html
ReplyDeleteClair de lune is one of my favorite pieces to play (and listen to). Do you play on a digital piano?
ReplyDeleteIt was a Baldwin grand, but the acoustics were bad.
DeleteJon, I have never cared for bullies. I was bullied a child in school
ReplyDeleteJon, It published before I could finish what I wanted to say. I want to comment on your blog. You are so talented! You’re a great storyteller! I figured out how to sign up with blogger. Our senior citizens at church Decided to have talent night. It was tonight. Regina, Vi and I. Our skit was on the riverbank in White county, Tennessee. Everyone laughed with belly rolls at us during our fishing skit . I like to do improv. I was too shy to take the leading roles in plays when I was a girl. At 62 I’m not shy anymore . That’s where our century old farm is still today. I still have a southern draw when I’m talking. My Aunt Joan would say jokingly but truthful that my kids talk like Yankee’s. 🤣 I will now be able to comment on your blog which makes me happy. I started putting out my fall decorations. We’ve had 50° weather at night for about the last four days. How is the weather there? What is your favorite desserts? If I can pack it, I’ll send it to you. Whatever you want me to bake. I’ll bake.
ReplyDelete