Musical encounters (7) – Boogie Crusaders

Today’s blog is about 2 spectacular Public Piano players: Terry Miles and Brendan Kavanagh. These UK-based musicians have a lot in common but – to us – one thing sets them apart really. Even if you’re living at the other side of the world, chances are you already watched them play, since both have a strong online presence and might even be regulars on your respective timelines; Terry (aka “K-Tel” or the “Hackney Boogie Woogie Emperor”) and Brendan (“Dr K”) share over 1 million Youtube subscribers amongst them…

Terry Miles Brendan Kavanagh Terry Brendan What do these Boogie Woogie Crusaders have in common? Obviously, these befriended musicians and vloggers have a soft-spot for (1) Boogie Woogie (2) Public Pianos and (3) fancy dress parties. They’re lucky enough to be UK-based, since their capitol features an unmatched number of Public Pianos year round.

At any given day, they can decide to go out playing (acting…) as St. Pancras Train-station Police officers. London Heathrow Airline pilots or Tube-station tourists.

Biggest thing they have in common: the absolute joy they beam at their audiences. If you watch a few more of their videos – playing together or separately – you’ll notice their posse is a little less coincidental at second glance. Last for now: They’ll both be happy to teach you playing the Boogie Woogie, so check their respective channels if you’re interested. befriended musicians an unmatched number of Public Pianos St.

Pancras Train-station Police officers London Heathrow Airline pilots Tube-station tourists separately What sets them apart? We’ve watched them playing (separately, that is…) in real-life a few times at St. Pancras, and can’t help but think there’s a dark side to Brendan’s approach.

If you read the viewers’ comments to a few of his self-posted videos and you’ll see we’re not alone in these observations. Watch a few examples, e.g. Herne Hill or Tottenham Court Road, there’s many more, and think of it what you wish.

We consider his “middle-C game” fairly disrespectful to previous players and other bystanders. The lady at Herne Hill walks off feeling fooled – and rightfully so – where she thought she was trying to help a newbie at the piano and wasted 2 minutes of her time. If you search for brendan kavanagh middle C you can see it’s even a searchable trademark to send amateur players off…

St. Pancras Herne Hill Tottenham Court Road brendan kavanagh middle C Street pianos – to us – are not about competition, testosterone show-offs or pro outplaying amateur. Step forward and shine, singer, player, listener if you wish, whoever you are!

From the original worldpianos.org blog, restored by Sing for Hope.