BILLY JOEL and MY DRUMMER FRIEND

It must be a coincidence. In the last two days, on my way driving to the office, the radio channel that I was listening to, played Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” at the same time (07.23) and at the same place (in front of a small traditional market).

“Just the Way You Are” is one of my favorite songs. I always like the sounds of electric piano at the introduction part. The rhythm of the drum……., Billy Joel’s voice……, I like it all!

Surprised by the coincidence, my memory flew back to the days when I still do performance. There was a drummer friend that a fanatic fans of Billy Joel. “Honesty” is the one he likes best. He has complete recordings of Billy Joel and also books of Billy Joel’s music scores.

My drummer friend is a nice shy guy, very silent, humble and a good drummer. Amazingly, the sway of his body following the rhythm of the music he played was a contradiction to his introvert character. In many performances where he played, I always noticed this and kept the smile over the contradiction in my mind.

One day during the holiday season, we performed in a concert. We played Christmas songs in medley as the closing of the concert. I was handling the vibraphone, and it was the first time I played the instrument on a performance. So, I totally put my concentration on it.

Suddenly, there was a stick flying and felt about a meter in front of the vibraphone. I was shocked, and even more shocked when I found the stick that flying was a drum stick. I looked at my drummer friend immediately and so did other players. The audience did not notice what was going on, since he still played his part with his 2 legs and a stick that he still grabbed.

He starred at us one by one. Oh my………, if I can describe his expression. It was like, “Please……………., I need your help badly! Can you take and give my stick back to me?”

We hardly behaved, trying to hide our grin and put our concentration back to line. Then……, a savior came up, a backstage officer running, quickly picked up the stick and handed it back to my drummer friend. And a very relief expression shined on his face.

We closed the performance successfully. At the back stage we let our restrained laugh out very loud. We were in tears of laughing.

I haven’t seen my drummer friend for years. I even do not know where he is now. I just hope that he is fine. Always fine…….

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