THIS IS A PAGE DEDICATED TO OTHERS' PASSIONS
These are links to friends and colleagues of mine whom I have had the pleasure of working with. Please visit these sites.
PIANO INFORMATION
Estonia Pianos Piano Technician Guild PHOTOGRAPHY
Many people have not heard of Estonia pianos (made in the country of the same name). They only make about 350 per year, and only grands. If you get a chance to play one, you'll know why I now rarely leave the house. Renner actions, gorgeous cantabile sound, unparalleled craftsmanship. Check them out.
There is an excellent resource site for all pianists...not just technicians! Links to music sites, information on buying and selling your piano, piano maintenance and recent news. Click on the resources link to the left of the home page...there is a lot to see.
Constance
Constance is the artist who is responsible for some of the beautiful photography used on this site (black and white, top and bottom on "Composition" page) and my album "Left Hand, Right Hand". Her vision is extraordinary.She has a rare personal touch and is wonderful to work with.
Check out her web site to see more samples of her work:
RECORDING STUDIO
Red Mountain Studios
In Phoenix, there are a number of studios to work with. But I chose Red Mountain Studios for two reasons: A great Yamaha piano and the complete ear of Andy Kern, Engineer for Red Mountain. Visit their site:
www.redmountainstudios.com
PIANO TUNERS
Jean Mariol, RPT
It's always a bit of a challenge finding a good tuner. But I believe that I have been very lucky to find one of the best in Northern Colorado. Jean has tuned my pianos for just a short while, and I love the results. AND...she is without a doubt one of the most knowledgeable technicians you will ever meet. She spent years with Mason & Hamlin on the east coast. Highly recommended. Reach her by phone:
970.377.3466
Larry Messerly, RPT
Larry is a tuner with a fabulous ear and great attention to detail. I personally recommend him to anyone in Arizona. He is well known throughout the Phoenix area, and therefore in high demand. Visit his web site:
Laurie Fagen www.lauriefagen.com Finest CD's and DVD's www.thefinest.com CD Baby www.cdbaby.com MUSICIANS
SINGER, EDITOR, PUBLISHER, ARTIST, PRODUCER...
I worked with Laurie on the documentary "Round-Up 2001" and have had the pleasure of performing with her musically. She is an extremely talented and vivacious person, as you may have gathered! Currently, she is running SanTan Sun News in Chandler, AZ; she recently opened a contemporary art gallery in Chandler called Art on Boston; she also has her own arts website; and she performs regularly in the Valley of the Sun singing jazz classics. Phew! Please do check out these websites...all of which are linked by this wonderful talent.
www.santanessential.com
www.artonboston.com
www.fagendesigns.com
INDEPENDENT RECORD STORES
In Northern Colorado, there are a number of good music stores. However, Finest has the best selection of music, including independent and local artists. Preview before you buy, trade in your old stuff, place a special order. Great staff and good service. Locations in Greeley and Fort Collins.
ON-LINE RECORD STORES
A great resource for on-line CD's! CDBaby has become a leading store for independent artists. You can search by genre, name, new arrivals and best sellers. They let you preview the tracks and you can even write a review without purchasing. A great musician resource site, as well.
CD Pulse
A newer player in the independent scene, CD Pulse is much like CDBaby. The founder became disenchanted with the Big Business music industry and decided to get back to what it was about in the first place....the music.
Peter Mayer
A fantastic singer-songwriter based in Minnesota. Peter has the ability to make you listen to every word, but not sacrifice the music. I have had the pleasure of playing with him and hearing him live. Check him out!
www.petermayer.net
Judy Fjell
A fantastic singer-songwriter based in Montana. Musical activist, singing coach and exuberant talent...but mostly, a wonderful human being. Check out her music, but try and see her live. It's worth it!
www.judyfjell.com
Arcadi Volodos
When it comes to classical pianists...it is hard to choose a good recording without hearing it first. Let me save you some time. Buy every disc of this fabulous artist. His Rach 3 is the best I have heard (nominated for a 2001 Grammy), and his transcriptions are mind-blowing. One of the best...ever.
www.sonyclassical.com/artists/volodos/
