One of the many reasons I enjoy my job as a pianist at Von Maur is because of the people I meet there each day as they listen to the music and reminisce. Music takes people back in time...it brings back memories...and it's not uncommon for people to tell me, with tears in their eyes, how much a song meant to them. Often, they will share a precious story, a memory, a treasured season of life that came to their mind when they heard a particular song I played. 

Lately, with the Fall season upon us, I've been playing "Autumn Leaves" (Kosma/Mercer 1945). This was my grandfather's favorite song. He would often ask me, "Hey, sis, how 'bout you play me some Autumn Leaves"...and I learned the "fancy" Roger Williams piano version when I was in elementary school...just for my grandfather to enjoy. My grandparents were always so supportive of my piano lessons. My grandmother would sit by the piano and clap after every song, no matter how awful it sounded. They gave me requests, and I learned many of the older standards from the 1930's and 40's at my grandparent's request. I loved them so dearly, and it brought me so much joy to play their favorite songs for them. 

Fast forward 40+ years...and people ask me, "How do you know all of these old songs?" My grandparents, Mimi & Gigi...and I'm so grateful for the rich legacy of music they instilled in me. To my knowledge, neither of them played any instruments, but they enjoyed listening to music. They made me appreciate the meaningful melodies and rich chords in those old standards. 

Last week, I was playing "The Nearness of You" (1938 Washington/Carmichael) and an older couple was walking by in Von Maur. They set down their shopping bags, and they started dancing together next to the piano, right there in the store! They were smiling and laughing, and some people had gathered to watch them ballroom dance near the Clinique counter. It was a beautiful moment that I will never forget. After the song finished, people clapped for them, and they thanked me, and told me that they had been married for 64 years, and that was "their song." 

Music is such a special thing. I always miss my grandparents in the Fall season. My grandmother died in September 1986, and my grandfather passed away a few years later in December. When I play "Autumn Leaves", I play it for my grandfather. He liked the piano version...I'm partial to this lovely Eva Cassidy version. Enjoy ❤ 

"Since you went away, the days grow long 
And soon I'll hear old winter's song 
But I miss you most of all, my darling 
When autumn leaves start to fall."