To all: even though this weblog is not “supposed” to be open to non-invitees (I haven’t quite figured out how to do that), I’m glad “psresident” showed up, as he (she?) not only delivered some news of interest, but demonstrated that the comment function does indeed work. This is supposed to be a two-way street, gang, so please comment away so that I know you’re out there listening.

psresident, you’re welcome to stay with us.

I’m sorry to inform you that Ross Siracusa passed away on the evening of the 17th. He passed quietly in his sleep.

We will all miss Ross. He had a great gift. Not only was he an inspired piano player, he loved what he did. The best time of day for Ross was when he was playing his piano.

But Ross was much more than a piano player, he was a piano bar player. He would start the evening with a few choice instrumentals, then move to a rich vocal selection. After warming up the audience, he would step up the tempo.

When the time was right and the audience receptive, he would vamp a few chords, tinkle a few notes and go into one of his stories. With a long introduction he would set up the song he chose to sing us. Ross could sell a song as well as anyone in the business. He would follow this pattern during the evening and as singers began to fill the room he would invite them to sit in. Ross was not only a piano man and an entertainer, he was also a great accompanist.

We will all miss his deep voice, his stories that set up our favorite songs, and his great enthusiasm for what he did. How many times have we seen him sit straight up in his seat while playing a great solo as if to say “listen to this!” With a smile ear to ear he would look at you and seem to say “isn’t this melody wonderful. Aren’t these chords something!”

We will miss the times when he would suddenly sit at attention on his piano bench then open his mouth and eyes wide in a “Wow!” expression as he marveled at his or others surprised improvisations. Ross always made the night special. he created magic at times. He created it for us.

We will miss Ross.

Paul

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