I wish Brian Cather well with his up-market busking.  I have done
a fair bit of playing in all sorts of places, but in particular at
Hexham Jazz Festival in the Queen's Hall Arts Centre Cafe.  This is
very much in the style of a tea-room, with a large mix of age groups
and musical tastes.

Even though I was specifically there to pump out ragtime, stride
piano, blues, etc., I still managed to slip in a few light classical
pieces and some popular songs.  Obviously if the atmosphere of the
tea-room is genteel then customers will probably not want James P.
Johnson hammering out "Don't Mess With Me", but they might enjoy his
"Eccentricity".  Similarly there are some Joplin titles that would
probably succeed, such as "Solace" or "Bethena".

Fats Waller always goes down well, and any of the Art Tatum arrange-
ments by John Farrell sound good if played sensitively.  Light pieces
such as "Wedding of the Painted Doll" or "La Camparsita" are attractive
too.  Short classical is okay, but I avoid the heavier stuff such as
Beethoven's Sonatas simply because of their length.  They demand too
much concentration from the listener.

There is so much to choose from in the area of popular music that I
hesitate to select specific composers, but it is difficult to fail with
songs from Gershwin, Porter, Carmichael, Berlin et al, and the timeless
songs from Rodgers & Hammerstein are always a joy to hear.

I have found that one rewarding method is to allow folk to choose for
themselves.  I produce small booklets listing all titles, organised by
genre, and place one on each table alongside the menu.  The text
invites diners to request a tune from the list.  This adds a bit to
their enjoyment and makes their visit a little more personal.  It also
gives people an opportunity to chat about the instrument -- all part of
the "experience".

Of course I do it to generate restoration business and sales as well,
but I have often been complimented on the pleasure of hearing a nice
bit of piano music played in a manner suited to the relaxing environ-
ment.  I know that you can get the "Dinner Music" rolls but I fear that
I might find them a trifle bland.

That's just my opinion though.  Personally, I find it most enjoyable
if the music is the best of its kind, and delivered with feeling and
an attempt to do justice to the composer and his work.  Something
like James Scott's  "Grace and Beauty", or, a bit more adventurous,
a Gershwin medley played by Liberace.  You will soon know if you are
doing the wrong thing, Brian: folks will leave cups of tea unfinished!

Good Luck.

Roger Waring
The Pianola Workshop
Solihull
England