January 05, 2008

The sound of our music

Yesterday Yoko came over to visit. I had taken care of their house for a few weeks while they were both away. Her husband in Denmark, she in Japan. Both working. So they missed the recent deluge of snowstorms we have been having.

It was good to see her again. Until a couple of years ago we would get together once a week to play duets—Dvorak, Grieg, Satie (my favorite). Then we were both too busy to continue. Yesterday, we ended up playing some jazz pieces together, four-hand piano. We were improvising as we went along. As she has studied music, has perfect pitch and also teaches piano and saxophone now, she could help me along.

I’ve been struggling with learning jazz piano for the past year or so. Being classically trained, knowing how to read music, play what is written, put in my own expression, etc. hasn’t helped one bit in playing jazz (well, at least I can read music!). Jazz is much more complicated, requires more presence. I have so much to learn. It’s either exciting or daunting, depending on when you ask me. Playing with Yoko was exciting. And we made a date to get together every Friday afternoon. That’s even more exciting!


Posted by leya at January 5, 2008 04:19 PM
Comments

Sounds fabulous.
Enjoy your days

Posted by: Jeanne at January 6, 2008 09:45 AM