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Taming the Beast, Part 2: Fresh Progress on ATB

Hello, piano friends! I’m back with more updates on my journey to tame Jonny’s arrangement of "America the Beautiful," and it's starting to feel more like a friend than a challenge. In this post, I'll share where I’m at (again, LOL), with a video from three weeks ago and one from early this week. See below!

Jazzy Intro: Finding My Flow (and My Voice)

Three weeks ago, I shared a video of me working through the jazzy intro—definitely a bit rough. Now, I’ve got it memorized and I’m playing it with more confidence and emotion. Check out this video from two nights ago to hear how it’s coming along:

Last night, I started adding some slides to the melody and a few harmony notes. And I loved it! I'd like to add just enough to give it a bluesy feel without losing the smooth jazz vibe. So that's another thing I'll be working on!

Ragtime Section: Building Speed

This ragtime section is tough, but I'm making progress. Yesterday I focused on fast-twitch exercises for the right hand and closed-eye exercises for the left, and it helped--I can now play most of it at 100 bpm. The goal is 120, but 100 feels good for now. I can also tell that my hands are starting to get that relaxed ragtime look that I've seen with skilled ragtime pianists. I'm getting there!

Crossed-Hands Section: Smooth Sailing, and an Idea

The crossed-hands section sounds great, and I am once again thinking about sneaking in a "God Bless America" Easter egg. The question is, can I just throw just a line in and have it be recognizable? People won't be expecting to hear it, and I don't want to throw them off. At the same time, if I play through the entire song, it may be adding too much to an already busy arrangement. If I were performing live I could act confused at the new song's entrance, then shrug my shoulders as I allow it to finish ... and then act relieved and happy when we start "God Bless America" again. But that idea might be more fun (and easier) in theory than in practice.

Gospel Section: My Heart and Soul

This section truly is my heart and soul. I'm arranging it myself, drawing from Ray Charles's recording, and it's my favorite part of the whole piece (sorry, Jonny). I've got it down solid, but I want to add more improv to make it even more interesting (and personal). I'll be experimenting with some riffs tonight, so stay tuned for updates.

Beating the Vacation Deadline

With vacation coming up, time is tight, but I have tonight and most of the weekend to practice. I hope to have something polished to share before we leave. It's a challenge, but I think I'm ready for it--keep an eye out for my next update!

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