Zoopraxiscope

The legendary pianist John Ogdon was known for playing massive, difficult works such as the “Hammerklavier” sonata and Alkan’s “Symphony” for solo piano, but he also played shorter, difficult pieces.

While most of the Bonzo Dog Band’s songs were written by either Neil Innes or Vivian Stanshall, trouser press virtuoso Roger Ruskin Spear was responsible for a few, including this one.

A little 21st-century Klezmer.

Although “Evil Woman” was their big hit, I liked this one better. This is the single version; the album version is marred by an interminable drum solo.

Guitarists get goofy.

Deaf School featured Bette Bright, Eric Shark, Enrico Cadillac and Rev. Max Ripple. Some of their tunes were almost as good as their names.

My other big show-off piano piece, though of course I never played it this well.

Years ago Byron Berline, Dan Crary and John Hickman were regulars at Winfield.

The 5,6,7,8’s version might be more familiar, but I like the original, too.

There are a surprisingly large number of flutists in prog rock, most of them better that Ian Anderson. Andrew Latimer, for instance.

This was one of my big show-off pieces back when my fingers were in shape, though I never played it anywhere near this well.

Ambitious prog rock epics with deep, incomprehensible lyrics are all very well, but sometimes you just want something to eat.

Compare this 1957 tune with Peter Green’s “Albatross” from eleven years later.

A song for the season performed by SRV.

I just realized that I’ve neglected the legendary maestro Lindley Armstrong Jones, and that needs to be remedied. Here he and his ensemble perform with appropriate gravitas a subtle and profound Russian orchestral masterpiece arranged for chamber ensemble.

“Downtown” may be the obvious choice, but I like this one, too.