Hello old friends

[J. Mark Lane]

Hello All,

It's been a while since I logged in here. A lot has been happening, and I thought it was about time I posted something here. A number of folks from this Board have contacted me over the last few months, wondering where I have been, and I haven't always been able to respond.

I have had a close relationship with music all my life, as I imagine many of you have, as well. It has run the gamut. As a child, I studied classical piano for ten years. As a teenager, I turned to guitar (didn't everyone <g>). As an adult, I noodled with folk music and toyed with various instruments. I have at times been passionate about jazz.

A few years ago (five, to be exact), my first child was born. I tried to play acoustic guitar for her as an infant, but she showed no interest. I tuned up an old mandolin I had laying around, and her eyes perked up. So off we were on a mandolin adventure.

I developed quite a passion for the instrument, and as some of you may recall, I had a pretty bad case of MAS. I fell in love with bluegrass (again), managed to learn a few things, and enjoyed it immensely. I also enjoyed meeting and playing music with some of the folks here. And I thoroughly enjoyed participating in this forum, which is one of the best places on the Internet, period.

About six months ago, I experienced a sort of metamorphosis. It was odd, actually. I felt it coming on. It was like a peaceful realization, and a sort of "returning." I found myself listening to Bach, Chopin, Liszt, etc. I realized that this was where I had begun, and this was where I wanted to return.

I got myself a piano, and started taking formal classical lessons at the local conservatory. It has been a blast, and the piano has come back to me pretty quickly.

There are many aspects of this. I could perhaps go on and on about how this has been, and has become, the right thing for me.

I have held off making any sort of statements about it all. I sort of wanted to see if this was a passing fad of some sort, or another "musical phase" in my life-long search for something that made sense for me. At this point, I think it is safe to say, this is here to stay. I think I have found what I have spent so many years searching for. Funny how it ends up exactly where it began.

I have not touched a mandolin in six months. I kept telling myself I would do so, and I have some Baroque mandolin music that I had been working on that I figured I'd get back to. But I have been so passionate about the piano, I just have had no interest.

So, yes, I will be offering a few mandolins for sale. It pains me to do so. I have loved these instruments, and they are good ones. But there is no point (as my wife is quick to say) in having ten mandolins when you never even touch them. (Five should do. <G>)

But more to the point, I wanted to at least reach out to the friends I made here, and offer an explanation for my absence. I met some wonderful people here. I hope at least some of us can stay in touch!

I'll check in here as I can.

Best to all,

Mark

[mandopete]

Good to hear from you Mark!

Is there such a thing as piano aquisition syndrome?

[DryBones]

Nice to hear from you again, glad things are well with you. See you over at the Piano Cafe. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[tjg]

Having played the piano as a youngster, I can understand. Thanks for sharing. See you at the PianoCafe?

[Eric F.]

Hey, it's good to hear from you. I actually checked to see if your obit had run anywhere at one point! Your new musical adventure sounds terrific. I think you should let me be the caretaker for your mando collection, though. You know, just in case you want them back some day.

[John Flynn]

Mark:

Great to hear from you! With music, you have to go with what moves you and it sounds like that's what you're doing. Good for you. Be well.

[Hondo]

If the past is an indicator of things to come, I predict that Mark will have to buy a bigger house, once PAS sets in. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Eric F.]

My father was a pretty decent pianist. He had a baby grand, then we moved into a big old house whose previous owner left a grand behind. Then we somehow needed an upright, too. I'm not saying J. Mark is going to be buying a "travel piano" anytime soon, just that it could happen.

[Lane Pryce]

Yeah I couldn't figure out what happened to you. My computer crashed and I lost the address book ---- otherwise I would have emailed!! Glad the realization has been a positive one. Now which one of those fine mandolins are you going to keep for that young lassie?

J.Mark it good to hear from you. Sounds as if you have come full circle and life is good. Best Regards ----- Lp

[mandopete]

I'm not saying J. Mark is going to be buying a "travel piano" anytime soon, just that it could happen.
A harmonium...

[TonyP]

Mystery solved. I often wondered what happened to you J.Mark, you were such a presence. I know about following your muse, and I'm always glad to hear when someone has had it speak loud enough to be sure. Good luck and don't forget to write every once in a while.

[jaco]

I also wondered "where'd that attorney feller (with the great mandolin collection) go".
Glad all is well. Piano is an amazing instrument. We have an older babygrand in the house that I used to play all the time. You never know, you could come around on another cycle in the future. Funny how life takes us around sometimes. Take care.

[JGWoods]

There was a company in Boston years ago- Death Wish Piano Movers- moved a friends piano out through a 5th flor window on Beacon Hill...I'm sticking to mando and fiddle.
Best wishes to you on your musical journey

[luckylarue]

Make sure that next piano is from a custom builder...people said they heard you were making beer in a monastary in Maine, some said you were navigating the Amazon in a dugout canoe, and a few swore they saw you playing third base for the Lansing Lugnuts...music is music - it's a good thing to follow your heart - many of us don't. You haven't missed much around here - kind of like a soap opera - you go away for awhile, come back and we're still babbling about the same stuff. Cheers, Scott.

[Lee]

http://www.frederickcollection.org/

Yep, PAS exists. Their collection is well worth the visit.
Mark, if I'm ever in your area I'll tune yours gratis.
Cheers!
Lee

[Jim MacDaniel]

...It was like a peaceful realization, and a sort of "returning." #I found myself listening to Bach, Chopin, Liszt, etc. #I realized that this was where I had begun, and this was where I wanted to return.
Hi Mark,

I'm glad you've found peace and happiness with an old friend, but I'm wondering if a contributing factor might have to do with the fact that FOTW doesn't sell pianos? #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

At any rate, best wishes, and perhaps you can still integrate mandolin into your new-old pasttime, by partnering with a mandolinist on Beethoven's Sonatinas for Piano and Mandolin. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

Best regards,
Jim

[Jim Garber]

Mark:
Count me in as part of that long list of people wondering where you went. We had a nice time hanging and talking mandolins about a year or so ago.

As jimmacd said... there are some nice duets for mandolin and piano. In fact I have plenty of sheet music, if you do want to get together...

Jim

[GTG]

I figured you got banned for too much Eastman bashing!

Hee hee, nice story. I've always wanted to live somewhere with a piano. It's tough balancing your drinks on a mando...

[Chip Booth]

Does Gibson make pianos? If so they are in for a ride http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[JeffD]

Having read the book "The Piano on the Left Bank" I myself almost caught the fever. I can totally understand.

Keep one mandolin around, just for yuks, though. Ya never know.

Jeff

[J. Mark Lane]

You guys are great, and thanks for all the nice comments. #Rumors of my demise are clearly premature. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Sadly, yes, there is PAS, and it can be a bit more expensive than MAS (and yes, it takes up more space http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif) Checked the price of a 6 foot Steinway lately? #

Some pretty funny comments. #You'd be amazed (or perhaps you wouldn't) -- the piano industry is a lot like the mandolin industry (if "industry" is the right word). #There's the American makers, there's the Europeans, and there's the Asians. #The Japanese used to have a tough time of it, but by now everyone recognizes that Yamaha's and Kawai's are good instruments. #The Chinese are now making a very large number of pianos, under various "labels," and there is non-stop controversy over it. #

I'm playing a Yamaha C2 mostly, and a Yamaha digital. #They do make good (but not great) pianos. #Pianos are expensive. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

And oh, yeah, Gibson owns Baldwin. #Feh. #Rumor has it they also recently acquired a piano factory in China. #

And I do agree -- the piano makes a great place to put a drink! #(Just be sure and use a coaster, if you please.)

On a more relevant (ie, musical) note... #I wasn't aware Beethoven wrote sonatinas for piano and mandolin. #That's cool! #I suspect they will be a bit over my head for a while. #I'm working on some Bach and Chopin Preludes, and a few popular pieces (wife-pleasers <g>). #I often think of something John McGann sometimes says - "It's a marathon, not a sprint." #And I'm taking my time, enjoying it. #I have no ambitions, other than to enjoy making a little music.

[tiltman]

Does Gibson make pianos? If so they are in for a ride

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I was wondering the same thing...

Glad to hear you're still alive and kicking Mark. I always enjoyed your posts and the lively discussions that ensued.

Kirk

[sgarrity]

Good to hear all is well and you're still involved musically. But make sure and keep a mando or two. You'll come back to it at some point I bet. Now what I wanna know is which one's you're sellin?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Shaun

[Keith Erickson]

Does Gibson make pianos? #If so they are in for a ride #

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I was wondering the same thing...

Glad to hear you're still alive and kicking Mark. I always enjoyed your posts and the lively discussions that ensued.

Kirk
I'm glad that I wasn't the only one that was thinking this exact question when I was reading this thread #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

It looks like the Piano Cafe is going to get an ear full about the Gibson Piano's!!!! (http://www.gibson.com/whatsnew/pressrelease/2003/aug1a.html)

I feel their pain!!!!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Walter Newton]

Does Gibson make pianos? #If so they are in for a ride #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Gibson owns Baldwin (http://www.gibson.com/Products/Pianos/Baldwin%20Pianos/), a major brand of pianos.

[Wesley]

I'm glad to hear that you are on a musical journey even though it's not that same one that many of us are on. The only sad thing would have been if you had gotten off the musical path alltogether. It's all good.

[PhilGE]

Good to hear from you, Mark. Thanks for the update. Finding that balance between family, music/art, and work is a challenge. Glad you found something that lights up your passion, even if it only has 230 strings to keep in tune, give or take a few! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

best wishes,
Phil

[Scotti Adams]

Welcome back...dont stay away so long next time.

[don richards]

J. Mark!!! - Good to hear all is well with you - Enjoy that piano - please DO keep us "posted" - I'll even lurk/troll the "classical section" of the CAFE if that's what it'll take to hear of your new "gig" - Regards and BEST...MOOSE. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[fatt-dad]

Nice recap of your last few months. I too have enjoyed some musical changes, mostly trying to get a little better with the guitar. Hopefully, you will check in and provide much-needed legal insight. You just can't leave the law to us amateurs - ha.

Sorry, but I'm over buying mandolins, but let me know if you have a mahogany dreadnaught for sale - ha again. . . .

f-d

[Jim Rowland]

I'm happy for you,Mark. I've thought of you many times over the past year. I hope you'll stop by every once in a while.
Jim

[ShaneJ]

Hey Mark, I was wondering where you'd been too. Congrats on renewing your first love. I've pretty much done the same thing, only with guitar and blues. I am, however, now feeling the need to breathe a little life back into my mando playing to add to the blues experience. Digital recording makes it fun. Recording is another old love, and it's SO much easier these days.

Maybe you can record a piece or two on piano and add a mandolin part. Who knows? If you do, we'd love to hear it! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Shane

[mandroid]

Where did that Image of a Tobacco Sunburst upright piano come from?
I swear I saw one somewhere, anyhow, it popped into my mind.

Next you need a bicycle trailer to play it in parades.

[fatt-dad]

And another thing: I actually thought of J. Mark Lane over the weekend. I thought of wearing a "fatt-dad" t-shirt as I walked the streets of NYC thinking, "who knows, maybe I'll stumble across a mandolin-playin'-lawyer. Took the Staten Island Ferry, but other than waving at the Statue of Liberty didn't stop at Mandolin Brothers. Did make it to Manny's and the shop across the street (was it Nathen's?). NYC is quite a place!

f-d

[Lee Callicutt]

Congratulations on re-discovering your first love, man. I don't play piano, but I do recognize it as the ultimate instrument.

Don't forget to play the space between the notes.

And dibs on the Glenn.

[Mando Medic]

Hello Mark, Really very nice to hear from you. I too have wondered what happened to you. Even thought you might have moved to the high desert to study mandolin making with Bill Bussman. I am so happy for you that you have re-discovered the piano; what a great instrument. Please post once in a while and may you get what you want, and want what you get. Ken Cartwright

P.S. I reopened the store and am having a ball with it. Kenc

[250sc]

You have to follow your muse. It's all music and it's all good.

[cbogle]

Happy to see everything is good with you, Counselor! I enjoyed reading your posts (especially regarding the large builder), and found myself agreeing with you more often than not. I'm also in agreement with the camp that advises you to keep a mandolin around.....too much fun!

Steve D. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[Mark Walker]

J. Mark - Great to hear from you and that you're alive and doing well!

Congrats on your 'revelations' and aspirations.

All the best and continued full acceleration! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[GVD]

It's great to hear from you again Mark. I've missed your thoughtful posts and like many others here had wondered what you were up to. Now I almost regret hearing from you since piano was my first instrument as well and a little voice inside me has been saying "Psst you need a piano". #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif #I really should at least get halfway proficient on mandolin/guitar/bass or fiddle before I get a piano but sometimes you've just got to do what you've got to do!!!

Anyway I'm glad for you and hope you still find the time to post here on occasion.

GVD

[jasona]

Welcome back Mark! I'm sure you'll need extra room for you pianos, so I'd sacrifice a little of my own space and take the Stanley off your hands...you know, as a favour, from the kindness of my heart. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[evanreilly]

Just-a-Guy!
Good to hear the update.
Probably will not be bringing a piano over to jam with you, tho.
Evan

[Elliot Luber]

Hey, if that Gibson piano is good enough for Billy Joel, it's good enough for me. I have to learn how to play "Music for a Found Harmonium" on it, but I'm still working it out on Mando.

[mandopete]

IT'S A LOVE-FEST!

[fredfrank]

You've been gone?

Seriously, though, good to hear from you. I don't think you actually need to be a mandolin player to post here. Although, if you play piano, you might be too much of a musician for guys like me to comprehend.

[Jim M.]

Nice to hear from you, Mark. Interesting coincidence for me. I was originally a classical violinist, and I've been thinking of joining our regional symphony. But only if they do "Rawhide". http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[J. Mark Lane]

Jeez, this all reminds me of why I always liked this forum so much. I have also received a ton of emails and PM's from folks here. Thank you all for your kindness.

Regarding all the requests about my mandolins...well, the ones that don't get snatched up behind the scenes will be posted....

And very much high on my list of things I wanted to say with this post: Ken C, that's the best news I've heard in a long time! I am very happy that you re-opened the store. I enjoyed all the transactions we did (including buying mandolins from you), and I wish you the best of luck with new/old venture!

Oh, yeah...the day I'm more of a musician than Fred Frank will be...well, a cold day in somewhere far away....

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Mark

[jasona]

yeah...the day I'm more of a musician than Fred Frank will be...well, a cold day in somewhere far away....
Jersey? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[FlawLaw]

It is nice to know what has been going on with you. It is wonderful that you have found your muse. My daughter has been taking piano lessons for close to 8 years now and there is nothing more enjoyable than listening to her play when she is on fire. I was at a jam recently with a bunch of bluegrassers (I was playing bass) and she came in and the leader of the jam asked her to play along on the piano. It turns out that he was very good at the piano himself (as well as the mandolin and the fiddle). She ended up playing some nice "bluegrass piano." That was a first for me! Please stop in now and again, as your thoughtful discourse has always been helpful and inspiring.

[Steve Williams]

Great to hear from you J. Mark...sounds like you're off on a new musical adventure! Enjoy!

Steve Williams
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[JeffD]

What kind of strap do you use for a piano?


http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[mando bandage]

Next you need a bicycle trailer to play it in parades.

Or an upright in the back of a pick up truck ala Jack Nicholson in Five Easy Pieces.

Have fun J. Mark.

R

[Martin Jonas]

I'm playing a Yamaha C2 mostly, and a Yamaha digital. #They do make good (but not great) pianos. #Pianos are expensive. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Good choice. We have a lovely Yamaha C1, about seven or eight years old. Sad to say, I can't play it at all, but my wife can. For a piano, it's very good value, but still rather more than all my mandolins put together. That gives me a certain head start in any discussions on the escalation of my MAS...

Now, I need to work on convincing her to play the Beethoven sonatinas with me.

Martin

[Links]

Mark!

How in the world have I missed this thread for the past week!

So you've done went back to classical (as they would say in your home state of North Carolina!). I sure miss your posts and general "insight" on all things "legal" and just your general interests. Mandolins are the gerensal thread that holds us all together, but it is the sideline posts that I find so interesting (especially from folks like you).

I didn't even get to remind you that my beloved Tigers got the the National Championship game in basketball while your lowly Tarheels bowed out of thge elite eight of the "other" tournament. Oh well, I'll have to find someone else to torment and irritate.


Glad things are going well. I've got a Yamaha grand in my living room that needs playing - you're welcome here anytime!

[DorothyD]

Hi Mark,

It was so nice to see your post! Congratulations on your new musical adventure. #I took piano lessons when I was 6 years old (a very long time ago!) and I didn't like it at all!....too many fingers to keep track of.

We had good chats together about 2 years ago. #I liked your emails so much, I saved them!! #You have brought alot of fun to many people.

Good luck with the piano. #Why don't you post a little sound clip someday! #

Enjoy your new adventure!

Dorothy

[otterly2k]

Happy trails, J. Mark... we've missed you and will continue to.. I hope you'll keep at least one mando. You never know when you might need it.
KE

[Dan Krhla]

Can you even *put* a capo on a piano?

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[otterly2k]

of course... just set it right up there next to the brandy snifter full of singles...