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PianoMagic
MP3 Showcase
Without
a doubt, and without hesitation in saying so, the ability
to perform the music I love while playing by ear,
has been the greatest pleasure, and the most amazing treasure
of my life!
Contrary
to popular belief, I DO read music, I DO compose, write
and arrange music, and I regularly accompany all types of
musicians and vocalists in live performances. Yet, there
is no comparison to the happiness, or expressive freedom
I experience when 'playing SOLO PIANO by ear'. Although
there's great value in exploring all approaches to music,
NOTHING compares with the approach that allows ME, to BE
me through sound!
After
more than four decades as a professional performer, I understand
why playing by ear gives me so much pleasure: It's because
I don't have to work extremely hard to do it, and I can
enjoy it every step of the way...day-by-day, week-by-week,
month-by-month, year-by-year, decade-after-decade...and
even longer, if science responds to the call. ;-)
Being
able to instantly play whatever tunes an audience
might hum, whistle or sing in my ear, is about as simple
as reciting a poem someone might whisper in my ear. As quickly
as they say the words, I can speak those same words aloud.
Playing a tune by ear is just that easy, because I know
the logical sequences of how chords tend to move from one
to the next.
To my
audience, it seems like magic that I can play a new
tune as quickly as they can hum, whistle or sing it for
me...but it's not magic. Instead, I follow the logical,
predictable and repetitive movement of one chord to the
next, played over a steady and consistent rhythmic beat
from beginning to end; that's it...and it's FUN to do!
I never
took lessons to learn how to have FUN, because I recognize
FUN when it occurs...as do most folks. What's more, I never
took lessons to learn how to play a keyboard instrument;
I simply followed the FUN, and that's exactly what
I teach.
Life
Lesson #1: If it isn't FUN...it won't be done!
Playing the music I most enjoy consistently makes me happy,
renews my mind and spirit, and empowers me to create an
atmosphere of joy and pleasure wherever I can find an instrument
to play!
Thanks to my ability to play, THIS life has been a really
FUN trip, and I am forever grateful to all the folks who
have kept me 'in business' through the years, to perform,
entertain, accompany or teach!
THANK YOU for your support!
The PianoMagic MP3 Showcase is a place to listen
to my music, so let's get on with it! To hear my recordings,
scroll to the top of this page and select an album from
the menu on the left.
- "Songs Of The South" was originally recorded
in 1977, and has been digitally remastered for this Showcase.
- "Golden Oldies" is a project in progress,
but new MP3s will appear as they become available.
Please enjoy!
Mike
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