Sometimes, you never know who you might be working for. Yesterday was one of those days.
Got a call from a gentleman who attends a church that I work for. Said he knew of my work for sometime and wanted me to take a look at his piano. Yesterday was the service call.
The Steinway L was in horrible playing condition, sluggish action, overly bright hammers, etc. I made a comment that this really needs a great deal of attention and he said, do what you can.
He was one of these clients who liked to talk the entire time about the piano, life, and just about everything. The piano was in such horrible playing condition that I couldn't even tune before pulling the action get things in playing order. I can usually tell what kind of player the owner is by the wear on the hammers. Hammers heads completely flat with groves 1/4" deep. And all hammers worn evenly which told me this guy has chops and is practicing serious hours.
Anyhow when I was close to finishing, I engaged him more conversation and asked,.." so what type of work did you do?"
"See that poster on the wall.... that's me." Then he starts pulling one album after another. " That's me, that's me, and on an on.
Turns out he had a stage name totally different than the name he gave me for the service call. I was working for the great Kieth Dunham, who was in the mix with Teddy Wilson, Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Earl Gardner, George Shearing. At this point, he finally sat down played for me for about 1/2 hr, demonstrating all of stride styles he was credited for, along with a very signature style of using passing tones. As soon as he started playing, I recognized the style immediately. I was completely blown away.
A truly humble guy who know doesn't need the self-assurances to live off of his stage name. Now in his 80's, relishes in living a quiet life under his born name.
Anyhow, this was one of those days to remember.
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Tom Servinsky
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