Played Piano at Bistro 221
March 12th, 2006It had been probably 3 weeks, not having touched a piano or keyboard. And I had canceled my Wednesday night piano gigs, because I only work for tips and the first two weeks in February were so slow.
Anyway, it felt great to play solo piano and get paid, plus receive tips. Donnie and Gary played a private party for some millionaire mushroom farmer. And the guy didn’t want any drummers, so that’s why I ended up playing solo piano.
It was awkward at first, but I quickly got back into my way of improvising. And I was so immersed in the music that I didn’t take a single break for the 3 1/2 hours that I performed.
Tiffany and I had some good talks about playing piano and veganism. She is the only friend I have who is Vegan, and has been for some 19-20 years. So, I look to her for advice and ways of handling the overly critical non-vegans, because she’s being dealing with that for a long time.
Anyway, Tiffany always gives me good feedback from the bar since she’s The Bistro’s bartender. And she said I had great reviews/compliments from the customers, and they were rather amazed that I could play piano for so long and not stop for a break.
But, I just get lost in the music, and I just improvise and improvise, going from one song to the next and creating transitions between the songs.
One of the waiters was wondering how I could go for so long and my fingers and arms don’t get tired, but for some reason that’s not a problem. I guess between the drumming and the piano playing my hands and arms are pretty conditioned for the type of performances I do.
One thing I’ve noticed, is that my creativity for improvisation seems very high when I haven’t played piano for a while. Maybe I just miss it, or because I come to the keyboard after a long hiatus, there is no pre-conceived notions in my head on how to play.
Tiffany mentioned this too, and I remembered that Keith Jarrett said something similar about doing his long solo piano concerts.
So, my dedication to piano seems to have been renewed….
March 12th, 2006 at 10:08 pm
Three and a half hours! You must have been in the groove!! Nice.
March 12th, 2006 at 10:20 pm
thanks, Pat! yeah, when i really get into it, i get into it. :)
March 12th, 2006 at 11:10 pm
glad for the renewal, carlos! those are the best feelings. :)
March 13th, 2006 at 3:49 am
I know what you mean. When I’m playing my guitar or violin and I’m in one of those grooves, I just don’t feel like stopping.
What kind of music do you usually play?
March 13th, 2006 at 7:59 am
i usually play jazz and standards. which is perfect for improvisation.
April 9th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
There are times when I am really stressed out with work, I would play the piano and just continue improvising and time flies.The longest I’ve played is only 2 hours. I got the a point where I couldn’t think of any other songs off hand. =}
April 19th, 2006 at 4:34 pm
I played the piano for such a long time when finally I was given the choice to quit I did. I was young and foolish. But I feel the urge coming back to play again. I need the musical therapy. What do you play on? I think I may have to get an electric piano our apt is too small for my hearts desire: a baby grand.
April 19th, 2006 at 6:31 pm
cool! you should get back into it. no pressures. just play to enjoy the musical vibes. that reminds me i need to practice.
i’m sort of holding out on my bistro until they pay me more money. or, i get another gig.
May 22nd, 2006 at 11:03 pm
Hey Carlos, although I play piano for our church I kinda lost my passion for it since I play religious music all the time but when we bought our piano last month, boy my passion flared up again! Now I’m totally addicted to downloading sheet music and I try to play everyday so I can get back to my peak again. I’m glad your passion for the piano is renewed.
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:29 am
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