Conversations In Jazz
Conversations In Jazz
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A Conversation In Jazz - Benjie Porecki
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the a multifaceted keyboardist, B3 organist, pianist, composer, producer, and band leader, Mr. Benjie Porecki.
Benjie Porecki is a versatile musician celebrated for his mastery of the B-3 organ, piano, and guitar, seamlessly blending jazz, blues, funk, country, reggae, and R&B. Drawing inspiration from legends like Ray Charles and Herbie Hancock, he has released six acclaimed solo albums and collaborated with artists such as Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, and Patti LaBelle. His dynamic performances have captivated audiences worldwide, from international festivals to intimate clubs. Currently, Porecki is focused on his latest project, “All that Matters,” continuing to push musical boundaries and inspire listeners globally.
Versatility and virtuosity characterize the career of multi-talented songwriter-producer Benjie Porecki, who is often called a “musician’s musician.” He has earned that moniker by performing equally well as a jazz/gospel/funk B-3 organist, jazz/blues pianist, rock keyboardist, and reggae/blues guitarist while holding his own as a solo artist. Porecki enjoys the distinction of being among the top picks of many artists representing diverse genres.
In addition to four solo releases, Porecki’s work as a sideman has graced countless recordings, festival stages, concert venues and clubs throughout the world. An abridged list of artists that Benjie has performed and/or recorded with include Pieces Of A Dream, Maysa, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Angie Stone, Isaac Hayes, Regina Belle, Mary Wilson, Vesta, Kim Waters, Ledesi, Chuck Brown, Angela Bofill, The Blackbyrds, and Hubert Sumlin.
Porecki’s versatility is evident in the wide array of artists he works with in a variety of genres. He is as comfortable playing traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, pop, funk, R & B and urban, as he is performing country and rock. He carries on the musical traditions of the masters while putting his own personal and indelible stamp on any piece he plays.
It began in 1981 when 10-year old, Benjie Porecki discovered the trumpet. When he first brought the mouthpiece to his lips and blew into it, he astonished his parents and teachers with his apparent innate knowledge of the instrument. With no training or experience, he immediately began to play melodies. This newly revealed “gift” motivated him to study piano, organ, guitar, saxophone, and any other instrument he could find. Naturally drawn to jazz and blues, he began to play along with recordings of jazz and blues standards, show tunes, as well as other styles of music he experienced.
At 15, the young man was regularly playing professional gigs, and by 20 he had launched his career as a full-time musician. In1996 he released his solo debut Going On Through, followed in 1998 by his second solo project Servin' It Up on the Severn label. With the release of this all-instrumental album, Porecki was well on the way to earning his reputation as a “B-3 monster” and “keyboard whiz” (Jazz Times, 1998). Porecki’s Hammond B-3 and acoustic piano chops on the album led to rave reviews as well as to placing #32 on the Gavin Jazz Chart. In 2001, he released The Rest Of My Life which highlighted a more soulful, introspective side of Porecki’s music. The album featured two of his former employers, the legendary jazz bassist, Keter Betts (of Ella Fitzgerald fame), and The Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown.
In How Does It Feel? Porecki’s most ambitious solo effort, he pulls out all the stops and presents an affecting and substantive work. The album celebrates love, romance and the heartbeat of an unborn child. Porecki wrote, produced and performed all 12 songs on the album.
Jazz is more than music. It is culture. It is the way we communicate. It's a life style. And through sharing the stories we can appreciate the music at a more dynamic level. We hope that by sharing the stories of jazz musicians, artists, educators, presenters, and enthusiasts, we can inspire and attract a new generation of jazz listeners, supporters, and appreciators of this original music.
We ask that you would continue to support the channel so that we can continue to produce future videos and quality productions.
You can support us through our Cashapp at $Jazzology101.
Thank you!
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Відео

A Conversation In Jazz - Saltman-Knowles
Переглядів 1572 місяці тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the wonderful bass/piano duo, Mr. Mark Saltman and William Knowles of the Saltman-Knowles group. "The Saltman Knowles Quintet is a shining example of the tradition in jazz for long-term artist collaborations. This Washington DC group is known for serving up melodically alluring while rhythmically infectious music with a sincere and emotional ...
A Conversation In Jazz - Charlie Young
Переглядів 4903 місяці тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the great saxophonist, educator, Howard University Professor of Saxophone and Instrumental Jazz Studies, and the conductor and Artistic Director of both the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, Mr. Charlie Young. Charlie Young is a native of Norfolk, Virginia. Presently residing in Washington, DC area, he i...
A Conversation In Jazz - Gwen Redding
Переглядів 2724 місяці тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the lovely WCLK Midday Jazz Radio host and singer, Ms. Gwen Redding, aka Rivablue. Gwen Redding, aka Rivablue, has hosted and produced jazz radio programs for more than 40 years. Starting first in Washington DC in the early 1980s, she established work on the air and behind the scenes that helped define jazz radio in the District. "I still rec...
A Conversation In Jazz - Michael Bowie
Переглядів 4864 місяці тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the veteran upright & electric bassists, composer, educator, and bandleader, Mr.Michael Bowie. Michael Bowie is an internationally recognized musician, performing on both the electric and contrabass. With roots in the Washington D.C. jazz and gospel community, he was a recipient of the National Endowment of the Arts Award in Jazz Studies and ...
A Conversation In Jazz - Wes "Sugah" Biles
Переглядів 1875 місяців тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the veteran upright & electric bassist and educator, Mr. Wes "Sugah" Biles.. Born and schooled in Nashville Tennessee, Wes Biles began his music training in the third grade playing drums from the renowned teacher, Andy Goodrich. The next year he started playing violin, and by the 8th grade, took on the sousaphone and tuba. After a bass violin...
A Conversation In Jazz - Steve Washington
Переглядів 1266 місяців тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the wonderful vocalist and interpreter of song, Mr. Steve Washington. Steve Washington has been performing since the early ‘80s with humble beginnings in Princeton University’s college singing groups and theatrical productions. After Princeton, Steve appeared in numerous professional theatrical productions. In the late 80s, forays into dramat...
A Conversation in Jazz - Warren Wolf
Переглядів 2558 місяців тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the dynamic vibraphonist, drummer, pianist, composer, educator and bandleader, Mr. Warren Wolf. Warren Wolf Jr. is an American jazz vibraphonist from Baltimore, Maryland. Under the tutelage of his father, Warren Wolf Sr., Warren began his music studies at the age of three, learning the vibraphone, marimba, drums, and piano. A classically trai...
A Conversation In Jazz - Yarbrough Charles Laws, Jr. (Y.C. Laws)
Переглядів 2479 місяців тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to wonderful jazz flutist, percussionist, composer and educator, Mr. Yarbrough Charles Laws, Jr. (Y.C. Laws). Yarbrough Charles Laws, Jr. is a native Washingtonian and was born June 21, 1964 at Freemans Hospital located on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. This is the official date of the Summer Solstice, longest day of the yea...
A Conversation In Jazz - Pepe Gonzalez
Переглядів 28410 місяців тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to wonderful jazz bassist, composer and educator, Mr. Pepe Gonzalez. Pepe started his music career playing the electric bass in his late teens, when he formed one of the first integrated bands (between African Americans and Hispanics) in the Washington, DC area. The band, ZAPATA, opened for many great bands such as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, R...
A Conversation In Jazz - Wade Beach
Переглядів 29310 місяців тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to veteran jazz pianist and educator, Mr. Wade Beach. Phenomenal pianist Wade Beach is widely respected for his harmonic sophistication and superb technique, which knows no stylistic limitations. He holds a master’s degree in piano performance from the University of Maryland. He entered the world of jazz as a protégé of Sir Roland Hanna and tour...
A Conversation In Jazz- Sendy Brown
Переглядів 253Рік тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the classy jazz, blues, gospel, contemporary and soul vocalist, educator and Howard University graduate, Ms. Sendy Brown. Spellbound is how audiences frequently find themselves at some point during a Sendy Brown performance. Sendy doesn’t just sing; she creates. Carefully remaining true to the lyric, she moves souls with her passionate interp...
A Conversation In Jazz - Michael Thomas
Переглядів 337Рік тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the wonderful jazz trumpeter, composer, and band leader, Mr. Michael A. Thomas. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Michael began his musical life as a thirteen-year-old trumpeter. At that time, he saw his first REAL dancing marching band on television. It was the Grambling State Tiger Marching Band! "From that time on," says Michael, "I knew that I w...
A Conversation In Jazz - Jeff Antoniuk
Переглядів 948Рік тому
In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the wonderful saxophonist, composer, educator, and band leader, Mr. Jeff Antoniuk. “Creating and Expanding Community” might be the best way to describe saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk’s laser-like focus in his three-decade long career. Both a world class performer and recording artist, and a national leader in jazz education, Jeff is driven by the ...
A Conversation In Jazz Funny Moment
Переглядів 319Рік тому
Check out this hilarious moment during my interview with jazz saxophonist Antonio Hart. Get ready to laugh your ares off! Lol...
A Conversation In Jazz - Antonio Hart
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A Conversation In Jazz - Antonio Hart
A Conversation In Jazz - Herb Smith
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A Conversation In Jazz - Herb Smith
A Conversation - In Jazz Amy K. Bormet
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A Conversation - In Jazz Amy K. Bormet
A Conversation In Jazz - Jessica Boykin Settles
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A Conversation In Jazz - Jessica Boykin Settles
A Conversation In Jazz - Melvyn Prince
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A Conversation In Jazz - Melvyn Prince
A Conversation In Jazz - The Blackbyrds
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A Conversation In Jazz - The Blackbyrds
A Conversation In Jazz Antonio Parker
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A Conversation In Jazz Antonio Parker
A Conversation In Jazz - Charles Covington
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A Conversation In Jazz - Charles Covington
A Conversation In Jazz - Jimmy Owens
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A Conversation In Jazz - Jimmy Owens
Thad Wilson Promo Video
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Thad Wilson Promo Video
A Conversation In Jazz - Cheyney Thomas
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A Conversation In Jazz - Cheyney Thomas
A Conversation In Jazz - Quincy Phillips
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A Conversation In Jazz - Quincy Phillips
A Conversation In Jazz - Ken Kimery
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A Conversation In Jazz - Ken Kimery
A Conversation In Jazz - Christian McBride
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A Conversation In Jazz - Christian McBride
A Conversation In Jazz - Lenny Robinson
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A Conversation In Jazz - Lenny Robinson

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @ismaildiaz185
    @ismaildiaz185 11 днів тому

    Muy bueno

  • @WarrenHolly
    @WarrenHolly 11 днів тому

    Shout out to "the Left Bank Jazz Society". 🎶🎷🎺🎹😎

  • @olivierherment1188
    @olivierherment1188 12 днів тому

    Thank you

  • @georgevjohnsonjr
    @georgevjohnsonjr 28 днів тому

    George V Johnson Jr 🙏🏾 🙏🏾 ua-cam.com/video/JWKkL4RgE_4/v-deo.htmlsi=DhmQSm74zAcg_xwx

  • @spencertaylor1040
    @spencertaylor1040 Місяць тому

    Great guy I took his class.

  • @mpjproducer
    @mpjproducer 2 місяці тому

    Wow - learned so much from this conversation. Love Mrs. Sendy Brown!!

  • @mpjproducer
    @mpjproducer 2 місяці тому

    how do we send donations to Conversations in Jazz?

    • @OGStazzy
      @OGStazzy Місяць тому

      It’s say it in the beginning

  • @mpjproducer
    @mpjproducer 2 місяці тому

    The Antonios!!!!!!

  • @eliottmorst
    @eliottmorst 2 місяці тому

    i watched it again...........he and i have alot in common......shaolin

  • @africansuperhero
    @africansuperhero 2 місяці тому

    Very enjoyable! Loved hearing her story and seeing her so engaged in the conversation. Didn't realize that she came to Philly to teach at Temple. It would have been great to meet her!! 👏🏾👏🏾💯💯

  • @wolfchapz7669
    @wolfchapz7669 3 місяці тому

    This is dope. Thank you

  • @t.n.jackson5716
    @t.n.jackson5716 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for this! He has had an impact on so many HU# Jazz Studies majors. I appreciate and understand his evolution as a professor (in the context of our academic struggles together, lmbo). I always thought I was a challenge...giggles..."Can you fight?" That takes the cake. Thanks for the smiles. Sending love and positive energy to both you and Charlie Young. Charlie Young you are going to have the busiest retirement EVER! May it be as fulfilling as your academic career. Cheers to you!

  • @amykbormet
    @amykbormet 3 місяці тому

    WOW!

  • @skippruitt2391
    @skippruitt2391 3 місяці тому

    This is excellent!

  • @eliottmorst2968
    @eliottmorst2968 3 місяці тому

    whoa.....he did a complete overhaul as a kid

  • @langstonhughesii2838
    @langstonhughesii2838 3 місяці тому

    Wow wow wow! Thanks for doing this man!!! Been waiting on this one 🙌🏾

    • @conversationsinjazz674
      @conversationsinjazz674 3 місяці тому

      Langston. We are truly blessed to have studied Charlie Young. And I'm enjoying all the wonderful things you are doing. 🙏

  • @heirling25
    @heirling25 4 місяці тому

    Just before I relocated away from the DC area about 20 years ago, I had the honor and privilege of taking just a few bass lessons from Mr. Bowie when I first started playing bass. In addition to being a great musician, he is one of the nicest cats I've ever met...just a genuinely hip person...btw, great interview- excellent questions and allowed for full responses.

  • @irispierce7856
    @irispierce7856 4 місяці тому

    I know him and his family ,Great.

  • @patricklawrence2755
    @patricklawrence2755 4 місяці тому

    I have had the privilege to meet this gentleman this past summer (2024) during my son's attendance at the Blues Alley Jazz band camp in Washington D.C. He is the consummate jazz musician; cool, calm, soft spoken, warm and welcoming for anyone who wants to learn the language of jazz music. I knew only a small piece of his work from his time with Betty Carter back in the 1980s. The more i hear him speak about his experiences, the Greats he has had the blessing to learn from, and his want to educate, in the spirit of Ms Carter i might add, I am more and more impressed. I am greatly honored that he has chosen to include my son in his orbit with the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra so that he can pull from his wealth of knowledge, and also his love of this music. I couldnt think of a better influence to have than Mr Bowie

  • @onlyjustcommentAry
    @onlyjustcommentAry 4 місяці тому

    Thank you! 🙏🏿

  • @eidorb68
    @eidorb68 5 місяців тому

    I love this conversation. Being of a certain age and from Philly, this is not only interesting and informative but also heart-warming and familiar. Thank you.

  • @IvanaC.Official
    @IvanaC.Official 5 місяців тому

    Muy buenas estimados amigos de A Conversation in Jazz. Mis Saludos gratos a mi Gran Maestro y mi gran Life Music Coach. Herb A. Smith. y Saludos a todos alla🎉!!! Todo lo que diga acerca de mi respetado y querido Maestro Herb, sería poco, el es un Guía Musical de Luz, que siempre estuvo y estará presente en mi vida. Gracias por compartir la entrevista y más Saludos desde 🇧🇴 BOLIVIA

  • @mweza5241
    @mweza5241 5 місяців тому

    Antonio is super cool! He even responded to me on Facebook!

  • @JustSINGTacha
    @JustSINGTacha 6 місяців тому

    One of my MOST favorite people in the world.

  • @EudoraPrice
    @EudoraPrice 7 місяців тому

    Wonderful, Inspirational, Gods Continued Blessings🎶🎵♥♥I love this!! "its my Time" Because thats the Way I feel at this Time about My Life..And Women often forget themselves and Their Dreams, Blessed to have met you! Ms. Lori Williams!

  • @haroldholt2126
    @haroldholt2126 7 місяців тому

    (!🔥!) - It was rumored that when Donald Byrd lost (parted with) the Blackbyds, following a bad divorce, his popularity dwindled considerably. This was indicated through his album “T.Y.F.F.U.M.L”, an acronym for “Thank You For Fucking Up My Life”. Nonetheless, Donald & the Blackbyrds were an uncomparable, POTENT combination.❤

  • @reisserjean-michelakabeeth8551
    @reisserjean-michelakabeeth8551 7 місяців тому

    Your channel is TOP Man !!! Really ! One of the great of the greats from Baltimore was Eubie Blake, which I knew well ! We really learn a lot of Warren on here ! Wowww ! Warren is much more than I thought. He's one of the great Master of today, no question about this. You do a great job Man !!! Thanks a million !

  • @alchemysticgoldmind4164
    @alchemysticgoldmind4164 8 місяців тому

    The Kilgos lived Across the street from my family as a kid..The Blackbyrds rehearsed there and I would sit and listen outside The window..Man.. Good times

  • @alchemysticgoldmind4164
    @alchemysticgoldmind4164 8 місяців тому

    🔥💯❤️

  • @netinho4186
    @netinho4186 8 місяців тому

    Great talk, great drummer!

  • @fattmusiek5452
    @fattmusiek5452 8 місяців тому

    Professor Herbert Smith changed my life forever. I was blessed to have gotten my education in jazz under this legend’s tutelage. I learned so many important lessons from this man, from the moment I met him. I was playing the drumset in the tiled music room at the campus where I just started studying. In my ignorance, I was playing loudly, thinking I was the s***. I didn’t see or hear him enter the room, but I -heard-him over the crashing drums, “Drummer!!!” That was the first encounter I had with Herb Smith, and I’m forever grateful for the wisdom and knowledge he blessed me with. I couldn’t have asked for a better education, not just in music, but in understanding the importance and culture that came with studying jazz and cutting my teeth under him. “Jazz is the true classical music of America.” “Treat this (music) like your life depends on it, and it does.” “If you don’t play, you don’t play.” Thanks Herb, for guiding me; the lessons and concepts that you taught me changed my life forever. ❤

  • @cush_129
    @cush_129 8 місяців тому

    you chosen too Tone

  • @theresahall8821
    @theresahall8821 8 місяців тому

    Joe & Theresa Hall just finished enjoying this interview. Well done gentlemen. ❤

  • @PackofLions
    @PackofLions 8 місяців тому

    Love this

  • @iDSMB1
    @iDSMB1 8 місяців тому

    Federico is a rare gem!

  • @NancyPeacock
    @NancyPeacock 8 місяців тому

    Wow,this is a favorite person , teacher,and musician in my life.Many years ago I first met amazing Wade Beach when he was my History of Jazz professor at NOVA in Alex VA. Seeing and listening to him speak again today,May 21 2024 has me in tears,grateful tears.This is a very special man.I hope to see him again in person,and to hear him play piano again would be a dream come true.❤❤

  • @NancyPeacock
    @NancyPeacock 8 місяців тому

    This amazing man is such a a blessing .I will never forget a gig I am still so grateful to have been a part of so long ago that this amazing blessing of a man was part of.Herb was not only extremely talented(gifted),but he also shared wisdom.Bless you Herb Smith! Keep shining!

  • @chinbeats6551
    @chinbeats6551 8 місяців тому

    ROCK CREEK PARK!!!

  • @luisiguenza
    @luisiguenza 8 місяців тому

    We need to know the name of the 10 min blues solo transcription

  • @vbassone
    @vbassone 10 місяців тому

    What ever happened to Stacy Dozier?

    • @conversationsinjazz674
      @conversationsinjazz674 10 місяців тому

      I believe she's still around. Haven't see her in a minute.

    • @vbassone
      @vbassone 10 місяців тому

      @@conversationsinjazz674 Stacy Dozier was the drummer on the Bill Boggs show that Christian McBride, Joey D, and Stacy Dozier played together basically as a house band for one episode. This is probably 1985-6. It's on UA-cam. They backed up several young trumpet players. Miles Davis was the special guest on the show, and three young trumpet players played for Miles and those cats played behind them. This was the first time Miles Davis heard Joey D! John Swana was one of those young trumpeters that played for Miles that day.

    • @conversationsinjazz674
      @conversationsinjazz674 10 місяців тому

      @@vbassone Yes! All of us went to CAPA together. I graduated before Stacy, Joey & Christian in 1987. I think the Bill Boggs show happened after I graduated (possibly 1988).

    • @vbassone
      @vbassone 10 місяців тому

      @@conversationsinjazz674 Cool!

  • @DerrickRob
    @DerrickRob 10 місяців тому

    Rob and in lived in the same neighborhood and attended settlement music school together on Saturdays with Oden Pope then with Mr Lovett Hines. He and Louis Taylor were amazing even as teenagers. The young Joey Defranchesco was our piano player. We also attended Better break music camp in the summer with many kids from the city. It was an amazing time of life.

    • @conversationsinjazz674
      @conversationsinjazz674 10 місяців тому

      Yes! I remember first hearing Joey, Luis, & Rob at Settlement. Great times!

  • @domeniquexander_
    @domeniquexander_ 10 місяців тому

    Wow great talk 🙂🔥

  • @ber334
    @ber334 10 місяців тому

    Bob :what does your watch say ?😎

  • @ber334
    @ber334 10 місяців тому

    Bob described it when he talked about when he was six years old and he heard the music on the radio or the TV and he knew that he wanted to play ....he didn't know what it was called but he had a sense of play and isn't that what jazz is ? when you lose that child like sense of play and Discovery and wanting to play with your friends and the back and forth that it creates , then I don't think you're playing jazz anymore ...

  • @ber334
    @ber334 10 місяців тому

    O'Donnell Levy

  • @clemenswischman6934
    @clemenswischman6934 10 місяців тому

    🤤 *PromoSM*

  • @crcausey
    @crcausey Рік тому

    That's My Professor! Wednesday night for 3 years. The man is SPECIAL. He takes a minute to understand, but all he really wants for his students to do is THINK. One of the few professors who really left a mark in my life. I just heard him say "take us to church". Every time I hear that, I can hear B.B. King calling for the Hammond B3. You hear Herb talking about History, there was always one night somewhere, where Herb would start talking, and we never touched our instruments. I still never knew if it was planned or just one of the peculiarities of his character. He cares more about the people than the music. He is Special! Those Wednesday nights are possibly the most memorable my education. It was the most important night of my week.

  • @qlw15138
    @qlw15138 Рік тому

    Great interview with a wonderful musician. I am not from Baltimore, but I really appreciate Antonio's reflections on the good things about Baltimore.

  • @artsinmotion4208
    @artsinmotion4208 Рік тому

    Excellent!

  • @eliottmorst
    @eliottmorst Рік тому

    i grew up on the readers digest classical record collection.....brahms and debussy was my favorites