Playing Elton John’s piano at Darrell’s Music Hall

May 15, 2006

Matt had a wonderful experience at Darrell’s Music Hall, our local piano dealer’s showroom, in Nashua, NH.  The owner had heard Matt perform his improvisation for the Laurel and Hardy movie, “From Soup to Nuts,” at The Palace Theatre in Manchester and was impressed with the performance.  He told us that Elton John’s piano was on display at his showroom and invited Matt to come see and play it.

So, we visited the showroom.

And Matt played.

Now most of you know that Matt plays jazz, but he also plays classical AND rock.  His piano teacher assigns him different styles to teach him different techniques.  And just because Matt is a teenager with energy to burn sometimes, rock and roll fits the bill for getting out those ants.  He has studied Billy Joel, Elton John and even Tori Amos.  He can pick out any song he’s heard, so he can play the Beatles or the Dixie Chicks or the Star Wars theme.  But because he actually STUDIED Elton John’s music, he is well versed in the maestro’s style and LOVES his music.

So it was cool to have him sit down at Elton’s piano and play “Candle in the Wind” and “Daniel.”  He played other tunes as well, at times doing a duet with Elton’s recording for the player piano…with the player piano playing in the mid-range and Matt complementing in the upper range of keys.  It was a beautiful sound…kind of “enhanced Elton.”

Matt loved the color of the piano and Elton’s signature and had a wonderful time playing rock star for a few minutes.  We thank the owners of Darrell’s VERY much for giving Matt such a wonderful experience.  Matt was all smiles.