How Music Began for Me

There was always music around me at the church and in the neighborhood. At age 8 (my teacher was only 13), my Father refused to purchase a piano for me until I was able to play for him; therefore, using three cracker box inserts I pasted them together and drew my keyboard to practice. I really never heard my practicing until I attended my piano lessons for six months. Then Dad bought me an old remodeled "roll" piano to practice.

Afterwards I challenged him to purchase me a new piano that I had seen in Brown Piano Studio window. This purchase was made for me to give my first piano recital at the age of 10.

I had to play my complete program for Lillian LeMon, who was a noted teacher in the region. If I received her approval, then I could perform for what was then mostly all the church members and other teachers at her studio in Indianapolis - that was during the late 40's.

Ella Fitzgerald Concert

One of my favorite times was being in the presence of Mrs. Ella Fitzgerald (the grand lady of song) while she was in concert at the Murat Temple with (the piano man), Oscar Peterson. A combo accompanied her singing; then before the concert closed, she & Oscar presented several numbers together.

He was great too as a featured piano soloist. This was back in the 50's in Indianapolis, Indiana on New Jersey Street. My admission was paid by a noble teacher of music in the Indianapolis School system, namely Mr. James Compton. I was even blessed to get her autograph backstage after the program - the same for Oscar Peterson.

Hang On Ramsey

hang on,
originally uploaded by gaz3.

When I visited Mr. B's Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois back in the 70's, I heard and met members of the original Ramsey Lewis Trio. At that time they were most famous for the "Tennessee Waltz" and the "In Crowd"; during this performance as a supper club spotlight, they had the people up on their feet even though the dining continued.

During my stay in Chi town for a few days, I also met Dick Gregory's family who resided in the same building as my sister in law, Carolyn Brown, a well known artist...interesting life!

Budapest String Quartet

Prior to entry at Jordan College of Music in 1953, I had attended a concert by the Budapest String Quartet while attending John Hope School/PS 26. At that time I was learning the cello and a friend named George went with me. We took public transporation to arrive at the Indiana World War Memorial that was downtown in Indianapolis.

It was amazing to see these 4 men come onto stage in their formal attire, bow, sit together and begin their concert. The lead person was the 1st violinist. They made all their stops & starts together. At the close of the concert, there were 4 stage calls with people shouting "bravos"..of course we join in.

We reported to the orchestra at the next meeting with programs in hand. Great experience!

Dave Brubeck Quartet - Take Five

Dave Brubeck Quartet - Take Five,
originally uploaded by dereck von.

When I saw this 45 rpm, it reminded me of the days of this type of record listening. It was this or 33 1/3's recordings for us during that time period. Even at personal parties, this was it!

My experience in piano music during 1953 was at Jordan College of Music (Butler University); even my chance to see and hear the Dave Brubeck Quartet at the Murat Temple (downtown Indianapolis on New Jersey Street).
Good memories!

Intro

I just found out that I could express myself this way..through blogging. I love jazz, have always loved the beat, rhythm and smoothness. It goes a long way back in my youth while studying music, so here we go......