{"product_id":"touching-you","title":"Touching You","description":"About the Artist\n\nKnown in parts of the Midwest as the Fishin Musician (he also ties his own flies), Joe Augustine's interest in flyfishing is second only to his love of playing piano. His musical ability went undiscovered until the age of 15, when he sat down at a piano in the music room of his high school and repeated what the student teacher there had just played. The teacher, realizing his aptitude for the instrument, encouraged him to take lessons.\nThis he did, studying for 2 years with Gene Rush, presently the director of the Jazz program at the University of Memphis. Gene greatly influenced Joes jazz playing and also directed him to classical instructor Dolores Fitzer, a former soloist at Carnegie Hall. Joe remained under Dolores tutelage throughout his college years at Youngstown State University. Although he earned his bachelors degree in business, Joe played 5-6 gigs a week while in college as well, never seeming to get enough time at the piano.\nUpon graduation in 1971, Joe walked into the newly opened Avalon Resort in Warren, Ohio and has been playing there 6 nights a week ever since. Of his 25-year engagement Joe comments, Ive had to learn, play and understand all kinds of music. Painting that musical picture each night is a wonderful way to market new arrangements.\nJoe has received professional acclaim over the years for his performances with local symphony orchestras and in 1987 The Ohio Arts Council selected him as an Ohio Artist On Tour. More recently, the Steinway Piano Company honored Joe by making him one of their designated Steinway Artists.\nHis economic yet expressive style allows any listener to feel involved in his music. The spirit of pleasing the listener is reflected in Joes recordings as well as his live performances. Constant practice in front of a live audience produces an artistic virtuosity that allows Joes arrangements to change and evolve through continual improvisation. His understanding of harmonic texture and musical color reveals an artist who is sensitive to the emotions evoked by a song and has a real desire to appeal to his audience.\n\nProduct Description\n\nJoe Augustine's emotion filled music will touch you from the first to the last note. This solo piano album, a romantic collection of contemporary favorites and classic standards, appeals to listeners of all ages. Joe's unique style keeps the melody simple and direct, and his fresh arrangements make you experience these songs in new and exciting ways. Two original tunes, \"First Kiss\" and \"Touching You,\" are expertly crafted, sensitive and filled with passion. Treat yourself to this gift of love and give one to someone special.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: B000006H69\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: DBV.B000006H69.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Augustine, Joe\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Audio cd\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: Individually inspected: Guaranteed to play perfectly or your money back. Case may show wear and may be in library packaging. Ships Fast!  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Dream Books Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41435160084538,"sku":"DBV.B000006H69.G","price":5.47,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/6011\/0138\/files\/B000006H69-0.jpg?v=1779989915","url":"https:\/\/shop.dreambooksco.com\/products\/touching-you","provider":"Dream Books Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}