Honky Tonk Blues Piano

Almost Live at the Mustardseed Cafe
by James Mellick

Real "Performance Art"
On Saturday night, May 6, I set off on a new venture: a solo gig on piano and guitar before a small audience at the Mustardseed Cafe. It was an experiment to see if I could go it alone in presenting a decent performance. It was also an experiment to integrate the visual art with the music by using some of my sculpture to set the mood as stage props. One of these is the sacrificial lamb draped over a black cross.

I didn't want to be totally alone so I made a companion (roadie) dog named "Good Dog" to hold my amp. He faces me during performances and holds the amp.
Back in my Wellington, Ohio, high school days I went by my middle name "Dan". I would run home for a quick lunch and be back in the choir room to entertain my friends on the piano. Now I'm putting all that practice to use after 40 years.

My deceased brother David had piano lessons and was a better player. I emulated him in art and music when growing up. I play by ear. I may not know or think of the names of the chords I play. When fingering the guitar I have to memorize the names and position of the chords. On the piano, fingering comes naturally and organically.
Like many self-taught players I began by playing boogie on the black keys. I enjoyed the sound achieved when the finger slips off the sharp and flat to land on a white key and this gives the honky-tonk sound to my piano.
The electric keyboard is awkward unless it is full-size and the keys are weighted.

I prefer sitting at an acoustic piano because it is like sitting down and "going to work" at a desk or table. The difference between a cheap keyboard and piano is like the difference of painting on a rigid hardboard or canvas which gives some spring or response to a brush stroke. The piano is organic in the same way.
My problem when playing by ear is that when alone at home, I can get into a groove that I can't duplicate during the pressure of performance. I never play the song the same way twice unless I can get in a similar mood.
Singing with the piano is a new twist and I'm learning to rely more on the voice and let the piano become secondary.

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	Real "Performance Art" On Saturday night, May 6, I set off on a new venture: a solo gig on piano and guitar before a small audience at the Mustardseed Cafe. It was an experiment to see if I could go it alone in presenting a decent performance. It was also an experiment to integrate the visual art with the music by using some of my sculpture to set the mood as stage props. One of these is the sacrificial lamb draped over a black cross.
	I didn't want to be totally alone so I made a companion (roadie) dog named "Good Dog" to hold my amp. He faces me during performances and holds the amp. Back in my Wellington, Ohio, high school days I went by my middle name "Dan". I would run home for a quick lunch and be back in the choir room to entertain my friends on the piano. Now I'm putting all that practice to use after 40 years.
	My deceased brother David had piano lessons and was a better player. I emulated him in art and music when growing up. I play by ear. I may not know or think of the names of the chords I play. When fingering the guitar I have to memorize the names and position of the chords. On the piano, fingering comes naturally and organically. Like many self-taught players I began by playing boogie on the black keys. I enjoyed the sound achieved when the finger slips off the sharp and flat to land on a white key and this gives the honky-tonk sound to my piano. The electric keyboard is awkward unless it is full-size and the keys are weighted.
	I prefer sitting at an acoustic piano because it is like sitting down and "going to work" at a desk or table. The difference between a cheap keyboard and piano is like the difference of painting on a rigid hardboard or canvas which gives some spring or response to a brush stroke. The piano is organic in the same way. My problem when playing by ear is that when alone at home, I can get into a groove that I can't duplicate during the pressure of performance. I never play the song the same way twice unless I can get in a similar mood. Singing with the piano is a new twist and I'm learning to rely more on the voice and let the piano become secondary.