It's interesting to hear about new uses for music. This morning, NPR did a piece (on Morning Edition Sunday) about a town in California--Lancaster--where the mayor is experimenting with playing quiet music and nature sounds through speakers downtown.

Here's the story. Though some residents scorn the idea, most seem to like it. And it makes sense to me. If the army sometimes uses rock and rap music at high volume as a weapon, then why wouldn't quiet music calm people in a similar way? Of course, we know that it does--and Muzak has reams of research to prove it.

So, bravo to the mayor for taking a unique step to bring a measure of relaxation and peacefulness to the people of his town. Let's hear if for a slower pace and more quiet music!

The Working Pianists' Role Model in Action

The man in the orange/salmon-colored shirt is Johnny Knapp, and he is the 'piano-player's piano player.' He is the role model for us all because he knows a zillion songs (correctly), has an unerring sense of what each event needs at evey moment, and runs the band smoothly and with good humor.

This photo is from a recent 'tea dance' at a major mall in Atlanta. Since this event caters to seniors who love to dance, Johnny matches the band and the music exactly to what the occasion needs. Here, courtesy of master keyboardist, Jez Graham, is a short video clip of Johnny's last tune on a recent evening.

When the song ends, note the interaction between the crowd and Johnny Knapp. The appreciation from fans is what every working musician wants to achieve, and Johnny makes it look effortless. Music, fortunately for us all, is an ageless gift.