A week ago, if you told me you’d give me $10,000 if I could name one xylophonist, you would keep your ten G’s. This week, I’d be rolling in the dough, because not only can I name one, I can name the world’s greatest.
Sometimes serendipity smiles down upon us. Browsing books in the “Trivia” section of Barnes and Noble (Upper West Side, Lincoln Triangle), I hear over the loud-speaker, that a concert is starting in the performance room, “[jibber-jabber-jibber jabber]…world’s greatest xylophonist.” Naturally, like a moth to bright lights, I head over. Not only do I have an affinity for superlatives, I am inherently curious about novelty instruments.
Barnes and Noble hosts events where authors come to promote their books and accompany their talk with performances. David Byrne (Talking Heads) came not long ago promoting his book Bicycle Diaries. Fortunately for me, world-class xylophonist, Ian Finkel, was promoting his new book, You’re Not Supposed to Be Here, a biographical commentary on a musician’s travels all over the world.
Ian Finkel has been playing the Xylophone since he was 19. He practiced 8 hours a day for years (now only 3-5 hours a day). That is how you become the best. And yes, he is the best. Supported by a cast of talented jazz musicians, Finkel usually plays luxury cruises, affording him the ability to travel the world. However, with such a limited market, Finkel has been called upon to write scores, and compose various works throughout the entertainment world. It doesn’t hurt also that he is the son of the actor, Fyvush Finkel, who you may know from “Boston Public”, or “Picket Fences”. Finkel shared some excerpts from his book, but more importantly, played a few numbers to awe the crowd.
Now you know.
In the interest of Xylophones, enjoy…
Xylophone: Probably the first “X” word I ever learned.
