I feel I have met you before, sir…
White Mason & Risch, former piano of the late great Denis Simpson. I recently coached students of the Arts Club Musical Theatre intensive using it, and felt the love imbued deep within the wood and metal and strings. Most grands are female to me, but this is of course, named Denis.
Edgar, of unknown orgin, painted matte black. Bright and tinny and fairly light action but perfect for trying to play over tapdancers. I’ve banged the hell out of this one. And he rolls well, sometimes while I’m playing too hard. Location: Arts Club rehearsal hall
This is Stanley. Somewhat out of tune, and with dangerously broken ivory, but a lot of character. A piano that’s been through the wars. Located at Guilt & Co. in Gastown.
Saskatoon Sammy! Persephone Theatre, SK
I call him Roy, after a school janitor. Industrious but kinda tired. Needs a vacation. Probably in a union.
I call this Gad. As in “Gad, how many hours do I have to play the same song from Joseph?”
So, this wins for nicest of the week. A Yamaha conservatory C7 grand in matte black, on the stage of the Surrey Arts Centre. Utterly gorgeous in every respect. I call her Natalie. I doubt I will be able to play as loud as I would like to as people are going to be milling about around me during the gala. Also I’m writing this from my own personal dressing room. Not too shabby.
Gunther. Incredibly loud, bright, commanding and old. Location: Arts Umbrella
“Harold”, Walnut brown Yamaha upright. A little bit old, a little bit twangy, a little bit grumpy but still quite serviceable.
Location: SMMO
