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Wednesday, March 22, 2017

A Cranky Recital

A Cranky Recital

A few years ago, a Mr. C. Chatterbox, upon reading a post on my attempt at learning to play guitar, requested a sample of my chops (That’s what we musicians call playing).  I responded that will happen when pigs fly. 
Most music students have to periodically play in front of a friendly audience.  The dreaded, for most, recital.  The recital gives the student something to practice, and gives him the experience of performing for others.  The Recital usually makes a student a better player or it has them quit playing altogether.
Sixty-five years ago, a young cranky piano student was preparing for The Recital.  This recital was going to be broadcast live over the radio to probably 16 listeners.  The thought of The Recital did not make me a better player, it made me quit piano lessons.  I skipped my lessons and refused to play.  There may have been a spanking involved, but I held my ground.
So now I have decided to not chicken out and I will have my own Recital on this blog.  I was probably no less nervous for this attempt than I was when I backed out 65 years ago.  Sixty-five years ago the performance was to have been the one base chord three finger melody of the classic, “From A Wigwam.”  This song has probably since been renamed, “Native American Song.”
Apparently pigs can fly.
For this recital, I have chosen a blue grass piece, “Under The Double Eagle.”  Most of the pieces I play are basically accompaniment for singing.  I decided to spare any listeners the pain of my voice.  This blue grass piece should be played with a flat pick, but Cranky don’t play with no pick.
This is dedicated to the wonderful Lo of the blog "It's Always Something." Several years ago, at the advanced age of "older than me" Lo allowed us to hear her singing voice.


http://loisstearns.blogspot.com/  
I fear Lo is no longer with us, if she is reading but just not posting anymore, this is for you Lo.
If you dare, sit back, hit play, and lose 58 seconds of your life.
Be nice.





20 comments:

  1. I think you did quite well, Joe.

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  2. Is there supposed to be a video here? All I have is text and a link to Lo's blog.

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  3. Very nicely done!! I live with a very good (excellent) guitar player) but you proved your ability! Certainly continue on with your efforts of practice, etc. Let's see where the next recital takes you!

    betty

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  4. I enjoyed listening to your music. Like River I couldn't get it at first and then the clip appeared all by itself. Wondering why you didn't persevere in the first place 'cause you're good.

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  5. Lo would probably say you took your time but you did good Joe.

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  6. That's actually very good. My saxophone career ended much as your piano career did. I applaud your bravery to try again at your mature age. ;) In my case society is better off if I just let any musical ambitions I might have lie dormant.

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  7. I liked it a lot. Very soothing. I think it would be gentle, calming background music for the tedious tasks of daily life!

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  8. I commend your ability and your courage. Great job.

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  9. I think you did quite well. It sounded wonderful to my ear. I hope you'll share more with us.

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  10. Bravo! That was the best 58 seconds of my day, so far.

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  11. Hot dog, pigs do fly. That was some really nice cord work. Those fingers were flying. Well done Cranky.

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  12. I like it, Joe. You're too hard on yourself. Stop it.

    Have a toe tapping great day. ☺

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  13. One day, i'm going to go to the library and watch this. It won't play on my iPad.

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  14. You sounded like a real guitarist!!

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  15. Add a few more numbers to your repertoire, and you'll be ready to go out on tour! I think your guitar was a good investment.

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  16. ROCK on, Mr. Cranky. You did better than I ever could.

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  17. Very nice! I hope you post some more soon.

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