I am so grateful that you let me into the group i feel myself
whimpering and my eyes tear up. I never knew such music existed
before this. I can't stop listening. I have been a member since early
2006, I think, and because of this group I have found links to other
similar piano groups like Warren Trachtman's Ragtime MIDI Website,
Jack's MIDI Music, and more. I never realized how strong my
fascination with the piano is until now. I know I dreamed about it
repeatedly thru childhood, adolescence and into my 20s. But at my
economic level, before portable keyboards, it was a luxury totally
out of my reach. So I pushed it out of my mind, and settled for 10
yrs of violin lessons, which went a long way to souring me on music
completely. But the piano! How I envy those who can play it. Those
refreshing tones and rhythms!

Thanks to you, I also discovered Search the Red Hot Jazz Archives,
and information on forgotten geniuses like Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake,
John Hammond, Cliff Edwards, Alberta hunter, Victoria Spivey, Besse
Smith, "Wingy" Manone (who played one-handed trumpet), Josephine
Baker, and many more.

I am 66. Deafness runs in my family. I am so grataeful that I got to
hear this before the inevitable sets in.