Mike Nelson’s “Solace”
After I saw the movie The Sting in Bryant Park last week, I couldn’t get Scott Joplin’s soundtrack music out of my mind. Especially the lovely Mexican Seranade ‘Solace’ that plays as Redford and Newman lay down with their respective lady loves the night before they pull off the big sting.
Determined to learn the song on the piano, I went in search of the sheet music online. And stumbled across this hauntingly beautiful guitar arrangement by Mike Nelson that beats any piano playing of the song I’ve heard to date. Certainly better than my amateur piano pickings…
I commented on Mike’s You Tube page suggesting he record it. He informed me he already has – I picked it up on ITunes.
Enjoy.
Lovely. And you play piano too? Is there anything you can't do?
Catherine –
Don't be impressed. I play piano the way an adult who took lessons for 5 years 35 years ago plays – ie, badly, and best when I am playing the old pieces in which my piano teacher wrote the fingering down on the music for me. I need her to do that now if I am ever going to get this Joplin piece down…
Peggy
That's beautiful TBTAM.
My friend pianist Roy Eaton is now a Joplin specialist and has recorded many of his pieces. They're available on CDBaby & itunes. http://cdbaby.com/cd/royeaton3
And in case you dream of Beef-a-Roni, back in the 60's Roy wrote the famous jingle. He's a trip.
Speaking from years of first-hand sibling experience, there really is NOTHING that TBTAM cannot do! She plays the piano beautifully!
XO, OBS Housekeeper
Oh, what a sweet comment OBS Housekeeper! TBTAM, what an endorsement! 🙂
Joplin is irresistible, isn't he? That was the first thing I thought of when you mentioned seeing the movie. They play him on WQXR every once in a while. Such fun.
I used to have a few Joplin vinyl recordings. Guess it's about time for some CD's. lol