Wayne's Worlds

It’s been a while since I’ve highlighted my joys in music. Since I’ve just discovered a great musician who has a very interesting story, I thought I’d point him and his music out today.

I’ve mentioned previously how much I love piano music. There’s something very special about a person and an instrument making gorgeous music together. That’s not to say I don’t like bands or orchestras–I do! But in the last few years, I’ve come to appreciate music that has an “earnestness” to it. By that I mean, it isn’t just elevator music that trundles along with no purpose but to provide a background noise. No, this music has real feeling to it–it can make me swoon or dance or reflect on life in general.

Of course, the musicians I’ve listed previously include Jim Brickman, Jim Chappell and Bryce Miller, among others. But today, thanks to the Internet, I discovered a new favorite–Joe Bongiorno.

Now where I come from, in Northeastern Pennsylvania, a guy with that name would have to run a pizza parlor. And the pizza would taste great, too, by the way. Then, too, to look at a photo of Joe, one might think he resembles a fullback more than a musician, like he ought to tackle the piano instead of play it. But things don’t just end there. (And his story reminds me of my experience with my father as well.)

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