Music appreciation...
My Dad, Ray Shall, playing B3 Hammond Organ
When I was in preschool, I remember my teacher discussing the numerous jobs that exist in the world. Astronauts, ballet dancers, policemen, teachers, builders.... The list goes on and on. It was always a funny thing when I was asked, "what does your dad do?" It was a two part answer really, but to keep things simple I'd just reply, "He plays the piano."
The truth is I don't think my Dad ever did just one thing. By day he spent years in insurance and finance, but by night, well that is another story. You see, since he was a teenager my father has been a professional musician. As young as 16, he used a "borrowed" draft card to get into bars in order to play gigs at night, all the while attending high school by day. And thus this dichotomy was born.
Dad age 17 playing organ in 1969
Of course, many people dabble in music, particularly in their youth. Illusions of Rock n Roll fame (not to mention groupies) lure many to learn the guitar or belt out a tune. But how many pursue their interests beyond the impending reality that to be a real musician takes real talent and real work?
To my father's credit, music is second nature to him. He has an ear that can pick out subtleties and duplicate any song instantly on the piano. (This, as my family would tell you, is highly ironic since the television must be turned up so loudly for him to hear it.) He has played all manner of Rock n Roll, Jazz, and Rhythm and Blues. He has played everywhere from Paris to Bourbon Street and with legends like Louis Prima, the Count Basie Orchestra, Al Hirt, Dr. John, Irma Thomas and more Neville's than I can count. The stage and the band may change, but he just keeps on playing.
This is me in the middle of my sisters, Ellen and Yvonne at Dad's piano
When we were little, he would play Alley Cat, and my three sisters and I would crawl like cats down the hallway off to bed. Of course we were totally unaware of how spoiled we were by the live music that always filled our house when Dad was home. We would stand on the piano bench, using candle sticks (see red candle sticks above) as our microphones and sing along.
It was our own little cabaret and it was wonderful!
Growing up, I always enjoyed watching him play. We never missed a chance to see him when he played an all ages venue. Even when it wasn't, it was pretty cool ordering a coke with 10 cherries after ballet while my Dad rehearsed with the band before the bar opened. I'll never forget when I was in college and had the opportunity to go see one of my Dad's favorite musicians, Jimmy Smith, play at the House of Blues.
The promo poster and my ticket from the Jimmy Smith show
Jimmy Smith playing B3 Hammond Organ
This was a real treat since it turned out to be one of his last performances and he died shortly thereafter. I was able to listen and watch the excitement my Dad felt at seeing a master at work.
Ray Charles
Click to see Ray Charles performing "Busted" in 1982
As children, we were blessed to have been exposed to such great music, not only played by my father, but shared by him as well. We all grew up singing "Hit the Road Jack" and "Just a Gigolo." Even now, I may be short on lullabies at bedtime, but I can do Motown or Etta James in a heartbeat. My hope is that, in some way, I can share my love of music and the gift my Dad gave to me with my children.
good stuff Lauren!
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