Joe had just played “Close to you”, “Raindrops…” and a frantic version of “Say a little prayer”…
Whether at the Ivy or elsewhere in London’s top venues Joe often finds himself playing for his favourite musical legends, who inevitably come over to the piano for a chat. In July 2016 Joe played for Burt Bacharach (right) and had the opportunity to thank him for his music. “Thanks for playing it”, came the quick response. Joe also played for Monty Norman’s 80th birthday party in April 2016. The composer of the original Bond theme (pictured) sang it with Joe at a Variety event. On other occasions Sir Paul McCartney sang some impromptu Cole Porter with Joe, Sting said he’d enjoyed the version of his song so much he had almost got up and sang – “Next time, pleeese do!” replied Joe. Barry Manilow thanked Joe for playing the right chords to Copacabana and Neil Sedaka gave Joe the thumbs up for “Laughter in the Rain”. A lovely surprise was Sade’s reaction early in 2016 to Joe’s “Smooth Operator”. “She grinned, waved, then danced right across the room. What a legend!”
From the world of theatre, Joe recently played for Dame Judi Dench’s 80th birthday party and less than a month later, by a strange coincidence for Dame Maggie Smith’s 80th birthday party.
The one that got away is Adele – she was very complimentary … “I love your piano playing. Will you play for my party? Do you have a card? I’d love you to play at my party..” but she didn’t phone, she didn’t write, maybe next year?…