Tickling the Ivories

Sharon by the Sea

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:45:00 +0000

Eva Scow and Dusty Brough

An Intricate fusion of jazz, Brazilian and classical music that speaks to the best of each genre while maintaining it's acoustic roots.

Rob Landes

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:28:00 +0000

This is my favorite type of piano music to listen to while I work throughout the day. Rob Landes' newest album called Stardust Memories has it all. It's reminiscent of days gone by; all the tracks timeless classics.
Whether it was your era or not, you're sure to remember these tunes. Rob's piano bar style is flawless. I almost wish I was next to the tip jar.
Take a listen and see for yourself. Click on the album cover above and sample some of Rob Landes' smooth style.

Anka Koziel Quartet

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:40:00 +0000

Looking for something new and different in the music world? Well, I may have found it for you. The Anka Koziel Quartet is a modern vocal jazz group. It's fresh, interesting, and smooth. This group brings their Polish style into the international realm with a flair. Every song has a new flavor. The vocals and rhythms bring new twists at every turn of the musical scale.
Jump over to the site and listen to a few sample bars of each number. Let me know what you think.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:53:00 +0000

Swing, Jazz, Big Band Sound, and in the style of Squirrel Nut Zippers -- another favorite of mine. I think you'll love them. Here's Big Bad Voodoo Daddy!!

Ronan Tynan, Irish Tenor

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

T Bird and The Breaks Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:24:00 +0000

I haven't done any giveaways on this blog or pointed you to any, but today I want to show you the way to a new Motown Soul R&B sound called T Bird and The Breaks.

Their CD is reminiscent of the 60s and early 70s even to the point of sounding like it's done on a 33 1/3 or 45 record from when I was a kid. (Remember the 45s with the big hole in the center?) It takes me back to the "good old days" with a new "twist." I loved it and I'm sure you will too.

Head on over to carp(e) libris reviews and enter to win their first CD which is self-titled "T Bird and the Breaks."

2009 Inauguration

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:12:00 +0000

If you watched any part of the 2009 Inauguration, you must have been in awe at the turnout. Whether you are a Republican or Democrat, it was still a very special day in history.

One of my favorite parts was watching all the different musicians. There was quite a variety from the before and after balls to the Inauguration itself.

I was most moved by the quartet that played John Williams' arrangement of Air and Simple Gifts. Did you note the variety of ethnicity present? It truly reflected what America is all about.

Here we saw the best of the best from the melting pot we call America.

Yo-Yo Ma -- Cello, born in France to Chinese parents, brought up in the US.

Itzhak Perlman -- violin, a naturalized American citizen, born in Tel Aviv, Israel to Polish parents.

Anthony McGill -- clarinet, African American with an Irish last name.

Gabriela Montero -- piano, Venezuelan-American, born in Caracas, the only woman in the group.

Seven countries are represented, three races, and both sexes. Someone did a fantastic job in choosing this quartet!

If you missed it, here it is!

Ish Melton, Drum Solo

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:53:00 +0000

I usually feature professional talent that I have come across or well-known artists. But this time I'm going to show you an unbelievable and awesome kid.
Meet Ishmael Melton, 12 years old.
I was introduced to Ish at my daughter's church and she told me about his drumming talent. Then she showed us a video of him playing with a group. I have to say it brought tears to my eyes. Ish now has a youtube video and so I am pleased to be able to show it to you here. The voice does not come through at the beginning, so don't turn up the volume too loud or you'll be blown away! Well, you'll be blown away anyway once you hear him play. It's a little over 3 minutes long. Please stay to the end; you won't believe it. And if you have at least one rhythmic bone in your body, I'm sure you'll be moved as I was.

Relient K

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:44:00 +0000

I like this group's version of Sleigh Ride, and I thought the cartoon was cute. Their voices are clear and that's what I always look for in a singer. Other than that I don't know much about them except that they are listed as a punk-influenced rock quartet. It's not my musical preference, but I still like this song. You be the judge.

Celtic Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:29:00 +0000

This song speaks for itself, and if for some strange reason you've never heard of Celtic Woman, you're in for a real treat. Perfect harmonies, lovely women, and a beautiful blend of Irish voices.

This is a favorite of mine from their Christmas CD called A Christmas Celebration.
So from me to you, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

James Taylor

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:16:00 +0000

You haven't heard from me in a while. That's because I have not come across any new music that I am excited to tell you about. James Taylor is one of my very favorites. I have all of his CDs except for this newest one, and I have never been disappointed.
I listened to the sample songs on his web page and this is one CD that is definitely going on my Christmas list. As usual, James gives us more happy upbeat songs. I don't know about you, but this is what I need in my life and I always look to music to help out in that area.
Country, Rock and Blues -- James Taylor puts his own spin on songs we are all familiar with. Another winner from JT!

Vladimir Horowitz

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:59:00 +0000

Now, I'm going to take you back to classical and Vladimir Horowitz, known as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. And still years after his death, the best selling classical piano record/CD sales in the world.

I remember this interview well on 60 Minutes with Vladimir Horowitz. I think he was about 82 or -3 here. I remember being amazed that he could play like this at his age.
Watch the video to get a hint of who he was and the next video will show more of his talent at a younger age, maybe ten or so years previous, at the White House during the Carter administration.

Lang Lang and the Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:45:00 +0000

In honor of the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing I wanted to post these two videos of Lang Lang, a 26-year-old world famous pianist from China. Lang Lang will be performing at the opening ceremonies on August 8, 2008.

Here he is performing traditional Chinese music, first with Guzheng (zither) player Ji Wei, and second with Pipa player Fan Wei.

Sit back, enjoy, and let yourself be transported by the notes of the music to a far away land brought closer to us by The XXIX Olympiad.

Jack Johnson

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:26:00 +0000

Recently, my niece pointed out that I might like Jack Johnson. I have to admit that I had not heard of him before. I know I'm behind the times. What can I say? I'm in my garden all day and think of nothing else now.
Anyway this sounded like good summer music to me so I wanted to share it with you.

Thanks, Tracy, for the recommendation. I like his style a lot.

Here's another song.

Corrine Bailey Rae

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:04:00 +0000

I first saw Corinne Bailey Rae singing on Oprah and then later on Jay Leno. She amazes me with the sweetness of her voice. As far as I know she writes her own music.

I wanted to write about her months ago but then her husband died, and I did not want to capitalize on that. She deserved the privacy that the press never gives anyone.

Please just enjoy the song and especially Corrine Bailey Rae, herself. She's singing "Just Like a Star" but in my opinion she's the star!

Jason Mraz

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:54:00 +0000

This is quite unusual for me, but I am featuring an artist I really know nothing about. I heard him on Jay Leno Tuesday night. His voice is pure, and the music is fun, light, and happy. Jason Marz, is an eclectic artist, in the pop, rock, folk, jazz category. I also hear a little Reggae in this particular song.

I predict this song is going to be the big hit for the summer. Let's just hope they don't play it to death so we get sick of it, because right now I'm loving Jason Mraz (and that's coming from a classically trained grandma who just happens to like music with a good beat)

Secret Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 08 May 2008 22:40:00 +0000

I would like to introduce you to Secret Garden.
If you haven't heard of this duo yet, you must have been living on Mars. But I know a lot of times we hear music and don't really know who is performing.
Secret Garden is a Irish-Norwegian Neo-Classical group, also known as New Age or New Instrumental.

Fionnuala Sherry is an Irish violinist with the voice of an angel and Rolf Lovland is a pianist/composer from Norway. Their talents blend together perfectly in a unique style and sound. To date they have sold over 3 million albums.

So come to their concert. Sit back, relax, and let yourself be taken away to another place.

Summertime, Renee Olstead

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:23:00 +0000

I'm getting a little tired of waiting for summertime, so I thought I would treat you with a song from one of my favorite young singers, Renee Olstead. I believe at the time of this video she was 17 or 18 years old. If you think she looks familiar but can't place her, it may be that you have seen her on a t.v. show that was called Still Standing. She played the teenage daughter, and even though she is a very good actress, her true talents lie in singing jazz and blues. She is an unbelievably talented artist. If the youth of today were a little more tuned in to real music and great sound, this is what you would be hearing on the radio. But instead ....

Well enough said, here is my pick for the month of April.

Bulgarian Voices

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 22:55:00 +0000

I told you I would be doing some unusual things with different types of music... So get ready. This is a sound that our Western minds have a little trouble wrapping around but at the same time so incredibly beautiful. This is the Bulgarian Women's Choir know as Bulgarian Voices.
The perfection of their pitch as they sing a cappella is pure sweetness to the ears. One has to wonder whether perfect pitch can be taught instead of just being genetic as we have been told. Whatever their secret for learning to listen to each other as they sing, it is truly inspirational. And added to this video, it becomes awe- inspiring. Take a listen.

Squirrel Nut-Zippers

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:03:00 +0000

I'm going way out on a limb; you're going to think I'm nuts! No, I'm not out of my tree, but I've been flying high since I first heard this group. This band may not be to your liking; they're a little corny but not seedy. Oh, stop it!!! It's just difficult once I get started.

I'm talking about the Squirrel Nut Zippers. The group was formed in Chapel Hill North Carolina in 1993. They're an eclectic fusion band representing a mixture of Delta blues, gypsy jazz, and swing from the 1930s. The Zippers went platinum in 1997 with an album called "Hot."
In 2001,they broke up due to management disputes, but as of 2007 they are back together and touring the U.S. and Canada.

If you're looking for some quirky music, check out this youtube video. If you've stuck with me this far, I think you'll enjoy it.

Peter Cincotti -- After You've Gone

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 01:27:00 +0000

If you've never heard of Peter Cincotti, you owe it to yourself to take some time to listen to this video of the old standard, After You've Gone. Peter is a singer, songwriter and pianist, mostly in the traditional jazz style.

Peter was born on July 11, 1983 and by the age of 3 he started to play the piano. By the time he was in high school he was playing in clubs around Manhattan and also the White House.

Peter's singing voice in as smooth as velvet but at the same time he sings with a lot of emotion and heart, but I especially like to hear his piano playing. Being a pianist myself, I am always surprised when watching a jazz musician's hands. My teachers stressed hand position. But I often see the "one-finger poke" such as Peter does. I have to laugh because he is successful at what he does despite that big no-no.

This video displays his piano style only, but if you'd like to hear more of his singing, check out either one of his two CDs: Peter Cincotti and On the Moon. His third, East of Angel Town, is scheduled to be released on May 6, 2008.

Jack Williams & Josh White

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:23:00 +0000

I was only going to do one blog for the month of February. I wanted Billie Holiday to stay on the top of my web site for Black History Month. But while planning and researching my next subject, I got this great idea. I would tie two people together for another interest in Black History relating to music -- Jack Williams & Josh White -- and I couldn't wait to bring it you.

Most of you don't know Jack Williams. He's a traveling songwriter, singer, guitar player, and storyteller. He's a white man, so how does he fit into this category today? Read on.

I first heard Jack Williams in a bar and grill in a small town in Michigan. Our friend had grown up in that town and Jack is a friend of his friend. We drove the distance and paid the cover charge on our friend's say-so. The grill was closed on Sundays but they opened up for this special occasion for ticket buyers only. The bar probably doesn't hold more than 50 people so the mood was intimate. That day is still one of the highlights of my life. What a unique voice and winning personality! Once you've heard him you will seek him out whenever he is in your area. He plays in coffee houses, and small theaters as he travels from the South to Canada and back.

If he's ever in your area and you get a chance to see him, you're in for a treat. Jack plays blues, jazz, and Southern music. His songs can take you to a far off place in another time as he spins and weaves his story, or he will make you laugh at a funny tale of his childhood.

Jack sang a song that day that was especially touching -- Natural Man. The song tells the true story of a person who was a civil rights activist and songwriter in the 60s and how he was treated throughout his lifetime. His name is Josh White, 1914-1969. He came from the Deep South, and was raised in the time when a young, poor, black boy had to be careful with every word and action because the Ku Klux Klan was always watching. He played folk, blues, and gospel. He was billed as "The Father of American Folk Music" and as he rose in fame he became a close confidant to Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States. After hearing his story, I was compelled to research more about Josh White, leading me to appreciate a musician that I had previously not heard of before.

Here's Josh White in 1955. Please forgive the bad quality of the video, but there's nothing disappointing about the audio!

Billie Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 21:47:00 +0000

Billie Holiday was my choice to feature for Black History Month. She was and is considered one of the greatest female jazz singers ever. To hear for yourself, play this YouTube video, and let the music wash over you as you read on.

Billie was born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915, in Baltimore Maryland. She took the name of Billie after an actress she admired named Billie Dove. Her last name was the name of her supposed father, Clarence Holiday. Although the name of Frank DeViese is on the birth certificate, historians don't believe this to be accurate. Later, when she became famous, she was nicknamed Lady Day.

Billie led a difficult life, abusing drugs and alcohol. Her life is documented in the movie Lady Sings the Blues starring Diana Ross. It shows the side of Billie we would rather not know; abusive husbands, prostitution in the early years, jail time, as well as her addictions. Maybe these troubles are just why Billie was so unique. She had a fantastic voice along with the ability to sing the blues, expressing her own trials and tribulations, like no one else ever has.

Billie was taken to the hospital on May 31, 1959 with liver and heart disease. She died on July 17, 1959, at 44 years of age. Because of the drugs, the mishandling of her money, and the users surrounding her career, she was left with 70 cents in the bank and $750 on her person.

We should overlook the tragedies in her life and look at the accomplishments she was able to achieve through her music. Billie Holiday will always be remembered as one of the greatest Jazz singers of all time.

Django Reinhardt

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:10:00 +0000

I've decided to take another direction with Tickling the Ivories. Except for a few like Paul Potts, Michael W. Smith, and Rodrigo y Gabriela, I have mostly concentrated on piano playing and pianists. I've been wanting to go into more eclectic music; some of my favorites and some that I will be newly discovering along with you. Here is a sample of the type of music I am talking about. Django Reinhardt, a jazz guitarist, was a genius and music innovator of his time. Take a little time to listen.

Recently my husband and I have been visiting a local coffee house called Mocha 'N Music. They have music scheduled every night of the week and several times on Saturday. You can find anything from Gospel to Blue Grass to Jazz. It's so much fun to experience this music with the company of good friends. It's an inexpensive night out,(free if you don't eat) and fun to see what the local musicians have to offer. Wow! Who knew there was so much talent in our area. Just have a cup of coffee and a great sandwich or piece of pie, then sit back and listen.

So as I learn of other musicians, such as Django Reinhardt that I was not familiar with until last weekend, I will be sharing them with you. Piano isn't all there is in the music world, after all.

Emily Bear -- Child Genius

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Marie) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:27:00 +0000

What makes one child a better piano player than another? Is it something they are born with or do they learn it after birth? I guess that is the age-old question. I tried to expose my children to music before they were born. Then I rocked them to sleep while music was on and I sang to them whenever I had the chance. Dancing was also a big part of our lives. But, no, I didn't produce any musical geniuses. Yes, they are musically talented, but I could not create a prodigy. Therefore, I am convinced that it comes from within and is a gift from God. Maybe it is genetic memory from our ancestors. Whatever it is, it fascinates me. Mozart had it. At age four he was writing music and playing for kings.

Here is one child who also has this gift. She has been on Oprah and Ellen. Take a few minutes to listen. You won't be disappointed.

Emily Bear, six years old.

Well, most of us won't have children who can play like this, but look at the joy that music gives her. Any child can have this, no matter what their level of achievement. Encourage your child to play an instrument. It fills the soul with peace and contentment.