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Showing posts from July 17, 2010

Magical Moment 169, "Summer Slum"

So, I’ve been going through the “summer slum.” That’s when everyone is on vacation and busy with other things, so they don’t need to hire a musician for holiday parties or elementary school programs (which happens to make up 90% of my paying gigs). I’ve been searching craigslist under the “talent” category for something that says, “Piano Player Needed for Beach Party” or “Major Record Label Ready to Sign the First Person to Respond to this Add Who Has Green Eyes.” So far, I’ve had zero luck. But that hasn’t stopped me from my nearly neurotic diligence in finding work. While most people these days are addicted to social media – facebook, myspace, and twitter – I seem to be addicted to the online want-ads (okay okay, Scrabble games on facebook too). I mean, you should see the job ads I have to sift through. These are NOT made up (keep in mind this is New York City)… -Nail Model -Young Japanese Girl for Commercial - Seeking Fit Female for Fun & Sexy picture - cleavage needed -Wome

Magical Moment 168, "A Little Sweat"

This morning I sat on the couch, drinking coffee and debating for an hour whether or not to go for a run. I had fallen out of my routine after vacation a few weeks ago and dreaded the thought of conditioning myself back into shape. It was 8 am, and already insanely hot outside. Usually when that happens, I console myself by saying that I’ll wake up earlier the next morning to get a good run in. It’s been nearly an entire year since I got out of the Army and to me, it’s a small accomplishment that I’ve been able to keep up running on my own for so long. Despite my absolute disdain for anything athletic, I really enjoy the benefits and peace of mind that I get from running. As difficult as it is to put my tennis shoes on in the morning and fight the weather, whatever time of year it may be, I know that I’ll feel better for the rest of the day if I force myself to do it. And Joy will be much better behaved if she gets her run in too. She’s gotten in the habit of running frenzied circle

Magical Moment 167, "Claire De Lune"

This is a video of me playing one of only two classical songs that I know. I forced myself to learn Claire De Lune for a wedding a few years ago and have struggled to retain it in my repertoire ever since. However, the most entertain part of this video is the "fan" towards the end of the song. Sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches. This was at Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Enjoy. More photos from Sing for Hope 's Play Me, I'm Yours Project, click here . To see videos, click here .

Magical Moment 166, "Fireflies"

As fascinating as a star, or the lights on Christmas Eve. As comforting as a doll, covered in threadbare weave. As frenzied as the marbles, scattered across the ground. As rare of a treat, as when the ice cream truck comes ‘round. A homemade lamp, a glass jar, the glowing bug swirls. A priceless ring, made with love, by grandpa for his girls. Never was there a fonder moment seen through a child’s eyes, Than the captivating magic and wonder of the fireflies.

Magical Moment 165, "World Mission Foundation Benefit"

This is another piece I played at Lincoln Center for a World Mission Foundation benefit concert, which raised $2,500 for AIDS/HIV funding. The director, Kevin Marin, asked specifically for a Jewish song and as luck would have it, I knew this piece from a Holocaust Remembrance Observance from my Army days. The song, a Jewish lullaby, is beautiful yet haunting, as it was heard among concentration camps during WWII. I apologize that the first few seconds are cut off. You can also see my video camera in the reflection - I had to get creative to get the clip from the professionally recorded DVD. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the performance.

Magical Moment 164, "Sunday Morning"

Early Sunday morning, I walked with Joy to get a coffee before the unbearable heat set in. I walked past the neighbor’s garden, rich with color and vibrant beauty. The grass was freshly cut, and as green as it was at the peak of spring. The rising sun cast an orange haze against the gray, empty pavement and row of seemingly deserted buildings. No cars lined up for blocks past the corner intersection. There was no crowd across the street waiting impatiently for the New York City bus to take them into work. I didn’t even have to wait to order my coffee at Dunkin Doughnuts. I smiled at the thought. Living in the most densely populated area in the country, right next to the city that never sleeps, I saw that maybe on Sunday, it at least rests.

Magical Moment 163, "Can't Buy Me Talent"

This was an article I wrote for JVH Media Group for their online music magazine. If only I could take my own advice, eh? At least I sound like I know what I'm talking about. "Can't Buy Me Talent" by Elizabeth Grimes It was a simpler time for the music industry back in the 1940s and 1950s. Crooners like Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Elvis had to have one thing. Talent. A voice that dazzled in every setting, and a stage presence that entranced the audience were the only necessary ingredients needed to create a star. I guess that’s why they call it “the good old days.” Not that today’s artists don’t have talent and stage presence. Some of them surely must. But have you ever wondered why your favorite singer sounds amazing on the album yet so different when you fork out the 200 bucks for concert tickets? I can think of a few reasons: vocal stacking (for added power), vocal auto-tune (it’s exactly what it sounds like – automatically tuning the v