These recordings were most likely made in the winter months because during the summer I was usually accompanied by a violin player named Gene Usher. Also, the piano was positioned with my back to a window where there was a heat register beneath me. There was a constant flow of both hot and cold air and it was impossible to maintain tuning on this studio upright piano which I beleive was a Steinway.
These recordings were of my standard cocktail-background music-hint of jazz style. I would sit and play a medley of five or six songs pausing only for requests or to acknowledge polite applause. Since SPAC was in the back yard of the hotel, I would see many famous people filter in for a drink or dinner. I once walked out for a break when the two bearded guys from ZZ Top walked in. They split and I walked right in-between them.
My most memorable night was when members of the NYC Ballet came in so I played lite works from Schumann, Schubert, Chopin and Beethoven. A few of the dancers did barre at the bar.
http://youtu.be/MiNimBwJ-e4
Always, It May Be
http://youtu.be/bGLk1EUZCr4
My Favorite Things
http://youtu.be/nXvsYsztxpQ
September Song, I'm In the Mood For Love, Stella By Starlight
http://youtu.be/Nazy_PGjOFA
