(posted by Gail A Moeller on February 10, 2008 at 15:23:36)

Message:

I grew up with big band music and the popular music of the 20s to 50s. My mother, born in 1905, had some music training, but more important, she had perfect pitch and could play by ear any tune someone could hum. This talent enabled her to get jobs playing in bands in west central Ohio – she met Bing Crosby and the Mills Brothers before anyone heard of them – and in movie theaters playing pipe organs for silent movies. We had both a piano and Hammond theater organ in our home, and between what she tuned into on the radio, the 78s in the record player, and what she played in the evenings at home, the music became part of my molecular structure.

Growing up in the 50s, I was appalled when rock-‘n-roll became the rage. Looking back now, that period was tame compared to what has followed. But somewhere hope was restored to my musical sensibilities when I discovered Michael Feinstein and his activist appreciation of what to me is music with melodic structure and beauty instead of only drums and noise.

Having studied singing, I also appreciate the use of the voice on these melodies, and Michael excels here as well as in his piano playing.

The only other individual I would classify as important to preserving the fine music of those important decades in this country is Fred Hall, whose Swing Thing radio programs informed as well as entertained. No longer broadcast locally, I’m grateful those programs are preserved and still accessible on the Internet.

I can’t put into words the nostalgia this music calls up in me, as well as incredible joy. Thank you, Michael, for being true to your calling and doing your utmost to keep this music alive in the collective consciousness.