Naughty Girl - Music by LVP

St Petersburg - Music by LVP

The Old Pier - Music by LVP

Will I, Won't I - Music by LVP

Valley Adagio - Music by Winston Chesterfield

Waltz Me Away - Music by Winston Chesterfield

Successful Night

I played a two hour set (if you can even call it a set) at the 85th birthday party of a Mrs McNeill-Moss on Hallowe'en. Two hours of Twenties, Thirties and Forties music to please the old folks - and myself of course, who am I attempting to kid!

Ivor Novello tunes, in particular, went down tearfully well.

Knees were up at The Cavalry & Guards Club on Piccadilly.



On my way to Piccadilly...spooking NO one. Apparently, I am not scary.

Brrrrrrrrrrrring

I heard something this morning. It wasn't in my head, it was real. The doorbell. Although that doesn't sound relevant for a music blog, I can tell you it was music to my ears. For what it was was the TV aerial installation chap with his kit, his tools and his charming oafishness. Television is once again a part of my life!

More music videos to come folks.

Stay tuned.

Wee Small Hours - Played by you know who

My new piano

Readers! I am fortunate. I have a Bosendorfer 5'8 burr walnut grand piano, a completely refurbished 1913 model. It arrived on the 3rd of September and it stands as a centre-piece of the ground floor room.


Music - Gone Are The Days by Winston Chesterfield

The Melancholy Sailor - Music by Winston Chesterfield

This dark harpsichord number was written on a moonlit night. Honestly, it was.

Love Thee I Do - Music by Winston Chesterfield

Murder In The Palm House by Winston Chesterfield

Ridiculous title. However it, and the bizarre faux-vintage movie/novel image, can be explained. The thoughts rushing through my mind as I was writing/playing this were of murder, intrigue, dashing racing drivers, an alcoholic countess and a simplistic 1980s interpretation of 1930s costume. Appropriately, the electronic instrument I used (long favoured by Vangelis) sounds truly 1987. If one were to film an Eighties nostalgia piece, I suppose it would be suitable. I am pictured beneath a palm at the Palm House at Kew Gardens.

Tosca

What a triumph! I had a splendid evening and although I cannot say 'I Went To A Marvellous Party' in the words of Noel Coward due to the fact I have not been to an actual party, I certainly felt like saying it at about 1 o' clock this morning when I returned home. The Royal Opera house in Covent Garden was packed for a beautiful performance of one of Puccini's best operas, Tosca. A good first act, and breathtaking second and third acts ensured a standing ovation for a terrific cast, excellent orchestra and beautiful sets. I attended the performance with Victoria, my cousin Lizzie and her boyfriend, my school friend Lee. We had a box on the left hand side which for the first act caused some discomfort for Lee and myself as there was a distinct bias to stage-right and we were always craning to see what was going on. However, come the second and third acts, that had been forgotten and we fell deep into the tragic story of the beautiful but doomed opera singer, Floria Tosca. The Vissi d'arte aria was exquisite. Cavaradossi's E Lucevan le stelle was very well executed, but his finest point was the Recondita armonia in the first act. I adore Puccini's melodies. They have such passion in them, but they are delivered in a way which does not feel overdone. When you think the cascading notes will fall predictably into a minor key, they then fall into a major key which prompts a little unexpected smile. It is wonderfully subtle. Although heavily conversational, Tosca has that strong musical quality to make one remember, and last night, I was transported back to the streets of Rome, to nights in the Piazza Navona and walking along the Corso. Bliss.

Words You Wrote To Me - Music by Winston Chesterfield

Quite a simple song but it came to me as I was messing about on the piano. The title refers to a couple of lines I was singing as I was playing it. I think it's got a 'Phoenix from the ashes' positivity about it...I may put all the lyrics on here soon!

W

Gung-Ho Suite - Music by Winston Chesterfield

I was inspired to write this when I returned to my family home in Dorset recently. At about 11.20pm, I went to fiddle around on the piano and this melody came out. I recorded it on my phone so I would not forget the feel of the piece. Then I recorded it on the Yamaha here in London. I hope you like it.

Recent Posts

The recent posts I have made on this blog are recordings of me performing on the piano, playing some well loved tunes. I will post more as the days go by so watch this space! I will also be posting recordings of the music I have written myself for my readers to sample. I might even post some recordings of me singing along as I have recently started practicing again. Hopefully my faithful readers are enjoying the music. Who knows? I might even make a full digital recording one day!

W

Music - As Long As He Needs Me

Music - Can't Help Lovin Dat Man

Music - What A Wonderful World

Tune it!

Unfortunately, the piano I play on (tonight from 5-9 at the Sheraton Belgravia) badly needs tuning. However, the overly cost-conscious hotel (who have decided to charge as much as Claridges Bar and Rivoli Bar at the Ritz for certain drinks *insert choke on martini olive here*) would not hear of it - any expenses involved with the pianist are avoidable according to them. Including a glass of water every two hours.

C'est la vie....

W

I played at the Sheraton Belgravia again last night. It was a fairly quiet crowd, and I had to play extremely softly so as not to bother the few hotel guests who were relaxing with drinks and gentle conversation. It was a great pity as I was in the mood for some twenties numbers - Ain't Misbehavin', Black Bottom, Charleston, You're The Cream In My Coffee. I played mainly contemporary versions of classics such as The Night We Called It A Day, 'Round Midnight and The Girl From Ipanema. Later on I pumped out a few Ivor Novello numbers. There is an ethereal quality to his music - haunting and unforgettably romantic. I shall be using his beautiful melodies later on this week. Wednesday and Friday at the Sheraton Belgravia, 17.00-21.00. All are welcome.

The return of the piano man

I am wanted. It's a fabulous feeling; once more unto the breach, once more I fill the Sheraton lobby in Belgravia with my music! Tomorrow, Wednesday and Friday I am required to entertain sweating hotel guests, likely to be insultingly casually dressed in socks and sandals and t-shirts with slogans, but I have ceased to care. Just to touch those keys again, to tinkle away a sunset over SW1, and to be paid for it. Such felicity.

W

Hello World

Dear World,

I have arrived in Blogworld. I am hoping to be treated kindly.

Regards

WC