Adam Swanson plays Balderdash by Tom Brier

[Squarerig]

I don't care what key this is in,I know,simply,that it is a tremendous performance.He,Adam Swanson,is improving with every clip I see.Outstanding!

[chevychase]

Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kungfucheez]

I like it very much :D Me and my friend just got into the rag scene about a year ago and we are hooked on it :P Wish there were more composers and players of ragtime around, espcially here on the East Coast

[AceWissle]

17!? Wow, Most impressed!

[Keeper1st]

Hmmmmmmmm... suppose we'll get a two-piano duet of Tom and Adam on this one in the next few days at the West Coast Ragtime Festival?

[KawhackitaRag]

Did Adam learn this from the sheet music, or by watching the video of Tom playing it?

[wilscool]

Apparently, he learned it from a score Tom scribbled out when he first composed it. Barely readable, from what Adam tells me.

[ragtimemax]

You'd have to ask Adam, but I think he mentioned to me that he got a lead-sheet of it from Tom.

[Keeper1st]

Adam said he used a combination of the video of Tom playing it and Tom's manuscript. The manuscript, however, is in G, but Tom decided that it sounds better in G-flat, so Adam had to transpose everything down a half step.

I just posted a two-piano duet of this with Adam and Tom.

[nathan1050]

Great stuff, if only I could play one tenth this well. I so enjoy this music, gives a lift to your day, puts trouble behind you for a minute or two.

Adam is extremely talented, I hope he continues to keep us entertained for years.

[TheKnabe]

What unbelievable talents have come home to roost? They are unending. Hey, I'll tell you a secret--shh. Adam was in the crowd at WCRF when Tom Brier was playing this composition. Adam looked very serious and was mentally lapping up the performance. Then, I bet he went home and practiced it. I must say, "Tom, don't miss any practice sessions, eat your Wheaties, and don't play in front of Adam. The Boy Wonder has grown up and piano playing along with him. And, this ain't no Balderdash!

[Squarerig]

Tremendous performance!Superb playign of a new piece-I had no idea that people are still composing this wonderful art form!Thank you all,especially Adam Swanson.

[daybird2]

You are absolutely one of the best true ragtime players I have heard. Joplin would be proud.