It’s been a while since an iconic piano-man rocked the scene.  Some people say they don’t make them like they used to.  Maybe technology makes it easier to produce flawless recordings where talent is lacking…but then again, who buys records these days anyway?  Real talent doesn’t need to make a comeback in the music industry; it’s always been there, waiting for those who truly appreciate it.

Ok.  Are you done reading my marketing pitch?  Good.  Now you know exactly nothing about me.  Marketing is great that way.

Anyway, I’ve been playing since I was around 4 feet tall.  The first song I remember plunking out on the piano was the theme to “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”; on all black keys.

I didn’t really have to work to have this talent per se.  When something is enjoyable, you want to do it often.  Most of the time you get good at what you do often.  I play the piano and sing.  Often.

The “work” part is everything that I don’t really like doing:  Hauling my 38lb. piano all over L.A.  Not that heavy, but not that light.  Setting up gigs.  Getting people to come.  Selling myself.  Playing over loud bars full of people trying to get laid and people avoiding the ones who want to get laid.  Etc., Etc.  That’s the work part of it. 

I guess the music answers some of life’s most challenging questions for me.  When I play, people sincerely seem to enjoy it.  They “forget about life for a while”, as Billy Joel puts it.  Nothing is more important than that.