many years ago, i studied the piano. only classical stuff--chopin, rachmaninoff--and i was pretty good at it. but one of the things i disliked intensely was to be at a party at home, or anywhere there was a piano. someone would invariably beckon me start playing. and it would make me incredibly self-conscious and embarrassed. for me, nerves plus no sheet music equalled disaster. i'd miss a note or forget a section and have to start all over again, full of regret. but more to the point, i wondered who at this party really wanted to hear me play the fantasie impromptu? or the prelude in c# minor?
i would have much preferred this scenario. to walk up to a piano, without anyone taking much notice, ease into a few simple jazz chords, that were familiar to the room, maybe start to sing a little bit, just above a whisper. then folks would start toe-tapping, head-bobbing, maybe smile and sing along. others would barely notice, but it just might make them linger over their drink and conversation a little bit longer. it wouldn't be so much entertainment, as a mood-enhancer.
when i hear blossom dearie's music, that's exactly what i envision.
not a show-stopper, just a gal, at the piano.
her voice is a bit thin and quiet, but so charming.
and her piano playing doesn't break boundaries--she just plays it nice and straight.
i could do far worse than to master "more than you know" in her style.
***
it was a handful of years ago when i first saw this cover of her 1957 studio album. i fell in love with her look, her groovy glasses--she was a bespectacled shelley winters! or, better yet, a character actor on an i love lucy episode.
i took a look at the track listing (a mix of familiar tunes--thou swell, i won't dance--and some that definitely intrigued me--lover man, tout doucemont, comment allez vous) but once i read that she was the pianist, i just had to give her a listen.
i've been devotee ever since.
she passed away over the weekend, so perhaps if you haven't heard much of her or her music, you will in the coming days.
here are a couple of favorites of mine. hope they make your day a bit lighter and brighter.
'deed i do
everything i've got
i won't dance
you for me
i've been devotee ever since.
she passed away over the weekend, so perhaps if you haven't heard much of her or her music, you will in the coming days.
here are a couple of favorites of mine. hope they make your day a bit lighter and brighter.
'deed i do
everything i've got
i won't dance
you for me
