LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Headstrong Pianist

Beverly Redding -- 04/07/2004, 21:49:40 -- #3368

Dear Auntie, I play with a very headstrong pianist. He insists on playing and coming whenever he feels like it. I insist on having control of timing and also insist on directing as I do it better than anyone, although that might sound like a primadonna,I have played with so many pianists by now, I do know how to bring out their best performance and while this particular pianist is "heads up" over the rest, my need for control will never change. While I am, for the most part,very sweet and well mannered,and do act in this way---a pianist will have to do as I say( I try to take control subliminally when possible) or I'll replace him with another pianist who can see the beauty and increased flow of excitement in my directorial abilities.It is just part of my art to be the leader so that the performance flows in a fluid manner and heightens the distance to reach so much farther than without my expertise.  I am writing this part some hours later  and am happy to report that this pianist has given himself over to my control completely and now plays and comes as directed by me. There is noone I would rather watch play than he--- and we, on this very afternoon,did play together and the outcome was so exciting I lost my breath for a moment.  My dilemma is this: I know that I will never give control to him and that any performance will be under my constant direction, but his private performances are his own business. I just hope  he would share the experience with me as I do love to hear about it and consider that a high form of closeness, which pleases me so much. Should I expect him to share just some of his private performances or should that just remain his private matter? I think he should at least share once in awhile for my pleasure, as it does bring me pleasure I can't even describe. I always share my other performances with him and he does seem to love that.Should I come to know him better before making any more demands?I am uncommonly visual!!! Comella

7 -- 04/16/2004, 01:24:01 -- #3544

Dearest Comella, Every once in a great while Auntie receives a query so interesting and intelligently written that it rates a solid 10! Too bad yours doesn't even come close. If you're really into a private investigation, you should get your hands on a Lo-Jack™ and put it on him. But seriously, Comella, there are many roles that one can choose to play in life. For example, the supporting role, the danish role, the rockin' role, the piano role, the jelly role ... Yet  you have chosen to play the dumb control. Singers! I tell ya! Sheesh! Auntie

Beverly Redding -- 04/16/2004, 13:26:55 -- #3556

Dear Auntie, That Comella is an idiot!!! Her writing doesn't ever deserve a minus one!! No artist or singer uses control tactics if they are good. A good singer loves the pianists and wants them to shine. Only "bland"singers ever want to hold the pianist back in any way or try to dominate their performance.I am a female singer and I can tell you my greatist love is the pianist and actually am more thrilled with his performance, than my own, if he's good. Its' just that I have worked with a lot of "keyboard owners" as opposed to Keyboard artists. If Comella is this bitch-she deserves nothing and she won't get it either. However, just a thought--I sense in her dumber than dumb attempt at writing and stupid control attitude that whe does love the pianist and wants a sharing experience-a union of the art to happen. Is that possible---- that I am right? I hope so! Sometimes good female singers get lumped into the category of the "wannabees" because that'ts what the pianist has been comfortable with as--and doesn't always recognize the artist who's real turn on is the recognition

Beverly Redding -- 04/16/2004, 16:38:32 -- #3563

Dear Auntie, That bitch, Comella,(stupid name) has watched "Body Heat" too many times. Bet she's turned on with Grusin. She is ambitious with no conscience and I like that!! Her head games probably work with most players, the dumb ones and that aint what this chic wants.I'd like to meet her though, wonder if she can sing or one of those sympathetic flat broads that I get stuck playing for. She aint typical,so I am curious.Easy to read. I think she wrote it so she would be.  She's into men!!! That's a plus!! If she is any good, she wants her suedo dominatrix shit to fire up the music and probably the men too!! I think she's used to getting what she wants. I think she'll keep getting it one place or another.I don't think she's ever been without what she wants.Not for long! She's a player and likes games. Most of the really sharp chics in music do. The sweet and uncomplicated singers,nice and I love em'.They never get anywhere, and a turn on they aint.This broad would do anything and I do mean anything to get what she wants! Comella, got a profile? web site? email? A good name for you "Verbal Abuse"

Beverly Redding -- 04/16/2004, 20:12:46 -- #3565

Are you playing at Big Joe's Taco and Sushi Bar? As for the lo-jack comment--I'm only in to High-Jacking!! Me, a control freak--I like to write opposite of what I feel. The devils advocate I am. Makes life interesting. Men are the most beautiful living things on this planet and as far as I'm concered they can't do anything wrong!!!And I do mean anything!! Gotcha!!! My only bad temperament--Seeing someone extrordinary putting their gifts in jeapordy and not caring. Makes me crazy!! Otherwise I'm a sweetie Pie!!!In your case, I might be able to "whip out" a little verbal abuse. Comella

Beverly Redding -- 04/16/2004, 23:37:24 -- #3567

Comella, I made my thoughts clear about you dumb control.Who are these wooses acting like they don't wanna be controlled. Even I can see they are cravin' it!!! You are a little snippit!! If I didn't have a hot date with a beautiful pianist tonight, I'd get some dried hummingbird tongue(only those that died of natural causes are used) to keep that tongue of yours in check. Something tells me your tongue has been in more hotel rooms that the Gideon Bible--well, Auntie  won't pursue that as I have a juicy past myself and hope to have an even juicer future. "Men can't do anything wrong"!!!!!  Knock off the sweetie pie act. UGGH! Don't go dancing with some young stud and press yourself into him too tight. You and I both know you'll merge with his soul and he won't know whether to reach for the lipstick or the aftershave the next morning. Not to worry, you'll be there to tell him which you prefer that day!!! I won't write anymore unless you pop up in my swamp again. Stay out of my herb garden!! No matter what that darn movie said "Death Does Not Become Anyone!!! But anyone can Become Dead. Watch it , girl!! Good luck boys, Comella is defintely a woman of conviction. Scary!! However, her witchy ways, if handled carefully, could yeild some very hefty profits. She's very into prophets!!!! Auntie

Beverly Redding -- 04/21/2004, 18:06:46 -- #3731

Dear Auntie, The truth is someone has to take control of what's happening in life, be it music of other things. Good stuff doesn't happen either without the "hustlers". Most people like me just procrastinate about everything and wish someone would know what to do and do it. I don't know if this person does or not--but at least she or he has an opinion and nothing worse that having no opinion.I change all the time about what I want and I don't get much that's good. Question? How can I organize my life and be more active in getting what I want and also--It's like I won't know what I want until I get it, but I won't if I don't make a move in some direction to find out. I am not really good, I mean really good as a musician and a lot of that is because I don't make myself have times to practice everyday. Any thoughts on this? Rod

Beverly Redding -- 05/05/2004, 23:46:49 -- #4153

Dear Rod, If you don't love your music enough to make time for it-then shut up-- and go work in a Bank, that is, if you took the time to learn to add and subtract. I think multiplication would be "pushing it" for you as obviously you can"t commit to anything. Why are people who get things accomplished referred to as "hustlers"? That is probably what you do to get by and you probably procrastinate at that too. You sound like a "whiner" to  me. If the greatest opportunity came along to bring you what you desired--you'd find an excuse not to do it. How can anyone give advice to someone so apathetic? I've got better things to do then try to motivate a "sloth". Ćuntie.

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