I’d like to put a theory out there — that, of those looked on as “talented,” there are (1) those rare individuals in the world with “true natural talent” and (2) others who perform their chosen art(s) more from a place of sheer will power. Don’t get me wrong: I certainly don’t mean to belittle the naturally gifted, as I know they (meaning, those who have followed their calling) have all certainly paid their dues in terms of practice and learning — and they apply arguably equal if not greater will power to their craft than the others. But, at some point, damn it, there’s a line that seems to exist. Call it predisposition, call it talent, call it grace, call it artistic capacity. I really don’t know. It’s there, though.

For most people, if you ever saw me playing the piano, you’d place me in the first category of naturally talented. But, for those who know the difference, I’m merely an impressive member of the latter one — not that I want to be.  As my will relates to the piano, nothing would delight me more than to simply wake up one day and finally “understand” this baffling instrument. But, to date, I do not.  I do love it, though, and shall report here my enlightenment when that day arrives. In the meantime, here are some original ragtime and novelty compositions, some more inspired than others. 

-Jim