(Alexandria,VA-2/15/13) When I stepped in Morrison House, a kimpton hotel in Alexandria, I knew that this is one of the most enchanting places I've ever been to--from its classic, sophisticated interior design to its awe-inspiring French-American fine cuisine, and of course to its famous night performances by Bob Smith group. Bob was THE Presidential pianist in residence at the White House for over 30 years, where he served US presidents from Nixon to Clinton. His night performances at Morrison House are sensational as always, which include a key session featuring his jazz piano with trumpet soloist Robert Vetter and Ed Smith(audio engineer), and a singing session featuring the most classic songs from the jazz/pop repertoire. I sit down at the piano and played Chopin's Waltz in c-sharp minor and Liszt's Liebestraum nº3. I felt that I haven't played a piano this good for a long time. It is probably a piano best for jazz, but I enjoy that sharp sensitivity and rich tone of its strings. I had a warm chat with the former White House pianist, who generously praised me and thanked me for my classical offering to the audience. I told Bob that I was so fond of jazz music but never learned how to play it."You obviously got your finger techniques down and that sensitivity of the touch on the keyboard", Bob smiled. "I challenge you to come back in six months to play some jazz for me!" Bob laughed. "When I see that you can do it in six months even though you can't do it now, I will be more surprised!" And he gave me the great advice that you always get no matter you're learning piano or computer programming, which is obviously no exception for learning jazz piano: "The best way to learn it is by doing it!" It was a memorable night, and the first #public# performance I had on piano since I came to DC. Thank you to the wonderful Lin Cui and Manuel Escamilla (and Mia Miao), who celebrated their marriage and I dedicate my performance to!
1 Comment
ming hui
2/16/2013 02:48:34 pm
张sir,失散多年了,我是你上铺的兄弟。我的电话是7189167918,惠明,纽约。
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