My Dad -- He Rocks!
Posted by Ellen M. DuBois on Sunday March 18, @09:17AM
It's not often that you hear someone say, "He Rocks!" about their Dad, but mine does! If anyone asks me who my favorite piano player is, I immediately say my father. He's great. But, hey, I know I'm bias.
If you ask a lot of folks who've heard him play, they all love him. So, I'm not the only one!
We decided that we'd go catch him at a local pub/bar last night. I hadn't seen him play in a while so I was really looking forward to kicking back and listening.
It's a fairly small place with it's share of regulars at the bar. The atmosphere is warm and friendly -- kind of like the feeling you got watching "Cheers". Everyone really does know everyone's name.
Before leaving, I stashed a small fake book, (to those who don't play or sing, it's just a small book of lead-sheets, or songs with chords), in my pocketbook. Who knows? Maybe I'd sit in for a few. It's been over a year and a half since I left the band and it's always nice to sing a song or two when I get the chance. (Other than in the shower!)
He was great. Even after battling with rheumatoid arthritis and gout, with swollen wrists and fingers that don't look like they used to, he can play. Man, can he play. What's so great about him is that at the drop of a hat someone can come up to the piano and ask him to play something and he just pulls it out of his memory bank! His ability to play be ear has always amazed me. After forty years of being out there, I suppose it's natural. Although, there are players I know, including myself, who need at least a lead sheet. Not him.
It was St. Patty's Day and I'd printed out the lyrics to "Danny Boy" before we left. Maybe that's the one I'd sing. It seemed appropriate, however, it's not really my style...
Well, I ended up singing more than one with him. It felt great. I felt like I was putting on my favorite pair of slippers. So comfortable.
My first gig, (at sixteen), was with him. Now, at thirty four, I was singing with him again. What a feeling. It's a natural chemistry. He is not only a great player, but is a fantastic accompanist.
But, he's also my Dad. That's what really makes it special.
When I was with the band, he and my mother would often come to hear us. They were unbelievably supportive. My father always sat in for a few. And you know what? He brought the house down! I'd stand there beaming with pride, saying to myself and everyone else, "Wow, that's my father."
To be able to do something like that with your Dad stamps a memory in your mind that will stay there forever. To share a moment of pure connectedness with one of the people who created you is priceless. It erases all of the petty arguments you had as a teen. It makes you see your parent for who they really are: A talented, gifted person who you love very much.
As he played and I sang I felt relaxed, happy and felt tremendous Love and Admiration for my father.
It's not often that one can say, "He Rocks", about their own Dad. I can, and I'm so thankful for that.
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