Sing a Song for the Piano Man: Breakthrough 1973 Billy Joel Album Is Filled With Memorable Character Sketches
Mastered from the Original Master Tapes for the First Time: Mobile Fidelity’s Numbered-Edition Hybrid SACD Features Intimate Sonics
Billy Joel's Piano Man etablished a legend via elements that became trademarks of his career: simple, yet disarmingly effective lyrics that speak to universal truths and instill feelings of pathos. With the classic title track, Joel captures the emotions and expectations all of us attach to our favorite musicians: "Sing us a song you're the piano man/Sing us a song tonight/Well we're all in the mood for a melody/And you've got us feeling alright," he croons. Indeed, Joel has everyone feeling good on this breakout set.
Mobile Fidelity secured the original master tapes to present this 1973 singer-songwriter masterwork for the first time in audiophile sound on numbered-edition hybrid SACD. The cavity of Joel's piano, the tension of the strings, and reach of his voice come across with astounding presence. The New York native finally seems as if he’s playing your room rather than down the hall.
After the commercial failure of his debut, and resulting legal disputes with his label, a determined Joel took up a six-month residency as a lounge singer in Los Angeles. The vocalist continued to pen songs, including his signature track, a fictional narrative motivated by the real-life stories and actions of the patrons he witnessed during his cocktail club residency. Joel also drew inspiration from a fellow peer with whom he would ultimately collaborate on a series of highly successful tours: Elton John. The latter's Tumbleweed Connection fueled a creative spurt in Joel, who extends that LP's Western imagery and bluesy themes.
Ignoring introspection in favor of rich character sketches, Joel utilizes his knack for melodic flair, filling out the songs with comprehensive arrangements and a swift sense of purpose. Tales such as “The Ballad of Billy the Kid,” "Captain Jack,” and "Ain't No Crime" are supported with phenomenal harmonies and thematic flavors that arrive courtesy of instrumental accents from first-rate players that include guitarist Larry Carlton, banjoist Fred Heilbrun, and drummer Ron Tutt. Joel supplies the requisite emotions, and Piano Man oozes with life.
