At the open stage there was a couple playing guitar and flute. The songs were written by him and they sang together but she played the solos. She was accomplished and made ornaments that covered more than an octave, some super swift. She also made glisses between notes and had pleasurable vibrato in the long notes. The lady had impressive technique. Following that, a woman I used to see play Fat Albert’s open stage, got up to play the piano. I see her around my neighbourhood sometimes, now she walks with a cane and has some vision impairment. I know because we talked one time, at the pizza place that closed last summer. From across the room, I wondered if she needed assistance to get from her table to the piano but she navigated fine. Her songs had unusual melodies and chording. She didn’t look down at her hands but I couldn’t follow her lyrics clearly, distracted by the guy talking. Same guy from moments earlier, now talking loud at the sound board and a minute later at the bar. The low frequency gabbing foiled the pianist’s songs. I hate that insensitivity, especially from performer who moments ago had their set free of anyone talking like an asshole, ruining someone else’s show.
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Next a young man played one song on guitar then piano. His mother and aunt had come to record his big moment on their smartphones. I left to get my glasses upstairs. Thought I would play my Ellen McIlwaine song but don’t have it memorized, need to see my scribbles. When I returned the singer songwriter who used to fight with Sam had just finished his set. That was such a weird fight. Sam could really go for the juggler when he snapped. Jack the tubist was there. He takes musical requests. I like trying to select something that might challenge him. Last time I yelled To Sir With Love. Tonight the Tennessee Waltz. Of course he did it perfectly and when he hit his lowest note we applauded as if the arrival of the fattest sound was as good as seeing the hummingbird fingers in action of Lenny Breau.
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I love hearing other pianists especially with original relationships and no cliches. There’s this guy that plays a very crazy and fascinating piano. He wears headphones. The first time I saw him I thought he might have tinnitus or be playing some sort of game with his hearing. His hands quickly cascade up and down the keyboard. Most of it is dissonant and he keeps the pedal depressed so the wetness is a big big blur. I bet many are annoyed but it’s equally interesting considering how uninhibited he is. Many times I’ve tried to persuade people I teach, to trust being as free as this guy. It’s like trying to help someone who wants to learn Japanese realize they might profit by living in Japan a few months. Rare is the person who takes my advice and tries free playing to develop their piano skills. This guy figured it out. The second time I saw him he explained he is executing what he hears in the headphones. This was an interesting revelation. Basically, he’s imitating what he’s hearing. I wonder if he knows why he does it. I bet he enjoys the challenge. Game of consciousness. Tonight might be the third time I’ve seen him. I like weird, I feel at home. He stuck around and heard me for the first time. We’re brothers now. Eventually we said goodbye, the bartender needed to close up.