Joanne Brackeen on listening to music

Listen Now Add to Play List Read Transcript (File Size: 0.14MB)

Joanne Brackeen discusses her start with piano

Listen Now Add to Play List Read Transcript (File Size: 0.26MB)

Joanne Brackeen on playing the standards

Listen Now Add to Play List Read Transcript (File Size: 0.12MB)

If you are experiencing problems playing audio on this site,
please update to the latest version of Flash.

Transcription

Q: “Did you start playing classical piano, like the lessons from the lady around the corner?”

A: Joanne Brackeen: “No, not really. The way that I started playing was like copying solos off of records, Frankie Carle records. My parents had a bunch of those records. They have Carmen Cavallaro and Frankie Carle and I preferred Frankie Carle. So in some of those records, 'Hindustan' and 'Louise' and 'Charmaine'. He had a bunch of things that I copied swinging down the lane. I just copied the whole thing note for note and then I learned it and memorized it. We used to play them in talent assemblies for school. They will be exactly the same as the record, everything. The opposite of what I do now, but at least, you know, I just liked it. I wasn't even thinking that was a piano player or anything like that. It was just fun.”