Yestermints (cont.)

by Dahni

   Today in place of the old upright, sits a brand new classic black, grand piano by Steinway and Sons. It fills the whole house with rich, full sound. It responds to every soft whisper of a note or thunderous note I ask of it to play. It instantly transforms the sound quality and the person that plays. It could as an example, make noise sound like a masterpiece of music. The top note is a little off, but we have to wait about 3 weeks for its second tuning or its first tuning since coming to live with us.

Hey, who knew the painter could play an arpeggio and who said he could play the new piano?

(in case you are wondering, I and the painter are one and the same)

   So what do you think? Should I paint the piano with hand painted Kokopelli images and other southwest designs and colors to match the living room motif? I don't think so! I realize you cannot see it in the picture, but the dark spot on the wall behind me to the right of the window is one of my hand painted lizards or geckos. The door fronts of the cabinets in front of the piano have Kokopelli and some of my other hand painted designs. So why not a Southwest Steinway? Not 'gonna' happen. Oh, and is it OK to have a piano party and use the top of the piano, for an open bar, the piano bar? Just kidding.

   We have two cats. One plays the piano and she has twice now played this one, the new one. I forgot to close the keyboard. She has also discovered the 'harp.' We have to leave the top up for about 3 weeks for the instrument to acclimatize itself to its new environment. I am not sure what to do about the cat that loves to play an occasional arpeggio and sit on the harp?

   My love for music is rooted in my past. I have often wondered if I would have ever composed music if I really was taught correctly or knew what I was doing, technically? I have also wondered if I would have ever become interested in the piano or music composition, if I did not have to wait for my girlfriend, to get ready for our dates!

     'Yestermints' it the title of a poem I recently wrote; 'Yestermints' is the name of the art you have seen of the old rusty tin of mints, and 'Yestermints' is a work of romantic fiction I am presently developing. 'Yestermints' is my made-up word to describe the sweet memories of the past which though long ago, like mints, are still fresh!

   Even though my piano playing began in 1969 with just eight notes and has grown over the years, the original idea never had a working title, now it does. Just yesterday (3/15/09), I decided to name it, 'Suite Yestermints.' It is a play with words for sure, but it works for me.' 

   I have wanted to place my music on line for some time. I have had several asking for me to make some CD's of my music. What you are about to hear was recorded live with this new Grand piano. I apologize no longer, for the quality of the sound of the instrument, only the quality of the recording. This instrument deserves better sound recording and/or software than I presently have. I will make this happen as soon as possible. Until such moment when time, resources and money become available to do this, you will just have to be patient or get some poor quality music clips or entire pieces in the raw from this site. If you cannot wait that long, you could perhaps find me playing somewhere that has an available piano. But now because of the new piano, you would most likely find me playing at home. You are welcome to come over though.

   I have made sure I am not bothering the neighbors. They have assured me that they cannot hear while in their own homes, but enjoy hearing it while they are outside. Sure they say that now, but what about when the weather is nice and we can finally open the windows?

   We already have our first two students. One for Susan that wants to learn how to play music the 'right way' and one for me that just wants to play their own music that is locked away somewhere inside of them. We can hang out our shingles and get open for business (to pay for the piano). Can't you you just imagine how these would read! One would read 'Professional Pianist/Teacher' and the other would read, 'Poboy Pee-yanny Plunker.'

   Seriously, I will put other music here on this site when possible. Like we must say to the piano, 'Stay tuned.'

   When I am satisfied with the quality of future recordings, I will commit my work to CD' and/or DVD formats. They will most likely only be available here. They will be for those that have been asking for them and for those that might enjoy my music as well. It has never been about fame or money with me and it is still not. It is about the music and my desire to touch others with what has so richly touched my life.

   Some have asked me what my take is on music. Simply, it is a universal language and to me, music is stories told or poetry in motion with sounds. Some have asked me what my style is. I have no clue. I am not a music snob, but I love music and try to compose music that moves me not just on the surface, but in the depths. I love variety and I love music and try to compose music that is unexpected and unpredictable. I would probably flunk music theory.

   What you are about to hear is within a flash animated movie with some of my art. The music is an mp3 file and all this will take time to load on your computer. I am sorry, but you really need High Speed Internet access to see and hear it. The movie contains Part 3 of 'Suite Yestermints' in its entirety. I hope you enjoy it, will return here often for updates and share this site with others.

Love Yah,

click the tin above to 'Yestermints'