I've finally posted the third piece for Sounds of a Sphere. I've been tinkering with this for some time, mostly because of the demanding concert & rehearsal schedule I've had for the past few weeks. Speaking of which: the swing band played at the VFW this past Saturday night and it went very well. The crowd wasn't as large as when we were there in November, but they were just as enthusiastic. I was glad to see friendly faces there! Anali, Daphne, Tarl and Charlie all danced and had a great time. Thanks for coming!

Anyway, I've titled this new piece "Unconformity". Well, actually Moses suggested the name and I liked it. Like the other pieces in the album it is based upon a Mars image from the HiRISE satellite. I arranged it for solo piano, although I considered writing it for synth. I may rearrange it for some electronic instruments sometime in the future, but at this point I really wanted to finish it. Also, I'm hesitant to write these pieces for electronic instruments because it almost seems to be a too obvious instrumentation; thanks to years of watching B-rated sci-fi movies my brain tends to associate anything extra-terrestrial with electronic and synthesized sounds.

Like the other pieces it is pretty dissonant--that's just hard to avoid considering the musical source. However, the rhythms are somewhat jazzy, no doubt due to all the jazz that I've been practicing and rehearsing with the swing band. I find that a catchy rhythm can make even the most dissonant melodies and harmonies quite listenable.

As always, I appreciate the emails and comments that I receive about my pieces. Thanks for listening!

I have a friend, John, who has for some time now been trying to get me to come watch his jazz combo play. He plays bass, but in particular he told me that I needed to see the pianist in action. "He plays chords you wouldn't believe." I was very interested in going, but I hadn't gone for the longest time because they play Monday mornings from 9-11 and Mondays are very busy days for me, since I'm already in east Mesa at different rehearsals from 3-9pm.

However, after yet another invitation to come, I made the long trek to Viewpoint RV park yesterday morning. It's a typical double-wide trailer park--nothing fancy. The man at the gate was helpful and directed me to the activities center in the middle of the park. Then I found my way to a small ballroom called The Garden Room.

The Garden Room is a simple and small, yet pleasant ballroom. There is a garden motif painted on the walls that is attractive and somewhat homey; I liked the space very much. But what surprised me was that--at 9am, mind you--there were about 10 couples, dressed very nicely, dancing to lively jazz music. Someone later told me that they normally have more people attend their sessions, but many are out of town for the holidays.

But I didn't come to dance, but to hear some jazz. There on the small stage sat five men, most of them around 60 years old. The pianist, however, was in his 90s and looked pretty fragile as he sat at the instrument. Yet he played with confidence, strength and skill. After they finished the number they were playing I approached the stage and was introduced to everyone. I enjoyed watching them all play, but I was particularly interested in watching Ted, the pianist; I was hoping to learn something from him.

So I watched them do number after number that morning. They're all top-notch performers. Ted knew all the songs by heart and never looked at a single sheet of music the whole time. I watched his hands, his feet; I considered his changes, his solos, his chord voicings. I took in what I could and committed it to memory. I was inspired. He really was as great as I had been told.

One of the dancing couples danced up to me during one of the numbers and the man said, "So, you're here to watch 'The Boss'?" I assumed he was referring to Ted and I nodded. He continued, "He's good and he's been playing forever." Two understatements, to be sure. I didn't ask, but I don't think Ted goes by that nickname normally. I think that man was only showing some casual respect to Ted's knowledge and skill.

I'd like to go back someday, despite the long drive and the complications it makes to my Monday schedule. People who know Ted have told me that he might not be playing that much longer and I'm sure I can learn a lot from watching him some more.

What's more, it's kind of nice to know that there is live music and people who want to dance to it at 9am on any given Monday morning.

The first recital was a success! It was great to have so many friendly people in attendance to support us. All of the performances were executed very well and everyone had a good time. My thanks to the performers! I really appreciate all the hard work you put into the preparation of this event.

Anali's snicker doodles and Elaine's Christmas cookies were a big hit. Also, someone must have liked my fudge because it was almost all gone! (That's a good thing--I don't need it around the house.) My special "recital punch" also was mostly consumed, but I was told that I should put some sherbet in it next time to give it an extra kick. :-)

Thanks to my brother, Peter, and my mother for their help in cleaning up. And, of course, extra special thanks and love to Anali for all the help she gave in all parts of the event.

I've posted some of the pictures of the event on the webpage. Also, Peter made a video recording of the event but I'll need to download it from the camera and edit it. I'll definitely post the videos as soon as they're ready. Also, if you were at the recital and took some pictures, I'd be very grateful if you could send me a copy of them.

Other notes: Silveridge Pops has a concert this afternoon and again this Thursday. Then, of course, there are several rehearsals to attend this week, and music to be practiced and written. I guess it's off to work!

This week is busy with performances! Last night the Silveridge Pops played at Sunland Village and tonight the Mesa Band is playing at Sunlife Resort. And, of course, my own recital is this coming Sunday at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Mesa. I've been busy making all the arrangements and I hope that the event is enjoyable for all. I've posted the program on my front page, if anyone is interested in taking a look. Anali will be baking cookies and I'll be making fudge, as an extra treat. :-)