Just after recently posting here my request for a copy of the first
Keyboard Immortals (KBI) broadcast in 1966, the following thought
came to me: "Well, Jimmy, why not provide a sample program so that
any interested readers of The MMD not familiar with the early series,
might THEN know, hmm?"  This seemed not illogical, even as coming in
so rudely from a hectoring alter-ego.  And so began the genesis for
this post.

As I mentioned within my plea, the initial hosting for the Keyboard
Immortals Play ("in Stereo" or "in Concert") were not all hosted by
Joseph S. Tushinsky as many likely believe but rather and also, the
initial ones were presided-over by no less than the "Comedy In Concert"
master himself, Felix De Cola.

Luckily, I did possess a reasonably good copy of the second broadcast
but, most shockingly, only today had listened to it!

Well, I was stunned at how good it was, this mostly because of the
splendid raconteurship, knowledge and genial musical savoir vivre that
were trade-marks Mr. De Cola's.  Yes, as expected, the play of the
Welte Vorsetzer was spotty but still, at moments some very nice sun
shone through.  (If later enough are to audition it, then I shall
point-up the highlights and why they are that.  Some delicious mysteries
are involved.)

For one obvious instance, the selection of "Chopin" from Schumann's
Carnival, is rendered past-masterfully by none-less-than Alfred
Reisenauer, and it never becomes tiring here, so I have noted over
half-a-century now.  No doubt, this selection for the program's theme
was Mr. De Cola's, and was absolute perfection as to selection.

While delirious under that spell from listening to the No. 2 broadcast
(which I had not heard even back in '66, as I'd not then even become
aware of Mr. Tushinsky, a Vorsetzer or of reproducing pianos) this
writer was thus inspired to do something productive, and so, along 
with the intruding thought as outlined above (as quoting him directly!)
I got to work and stressed my minimal graphical abilities to-the-max,
composing lightning-fast a speculative program as I imagined it might
have been if required back then 'in-the-day'.  I have attached it along
with this posting.  It is a good file and might be printed successfully
by any having interest enough to so-do.

As can be seen when examining my fancy of impulse, there is an interlude
there where host De Cola and Joseph Tushinsky speak about the program,
and how many tickets had been reserved for the nifty "in Concert" event.
Quite interesting, is this banter, I think, as coming to us now from so
long ago.

In listening to others as well a this second program, one gets the
impression that Mr. De Cola ad-libed much of his material, just as he
did in his Comedy In Concert programs.  Some scripting there was of
course, for intros and outros but, lot's of impromptu was there as well.
Without difficulty to the listener it becomes obvious, I'm sure, that
Mr. De Cola possessed of a broad working as well as theoretical
knowledge of music and it's history, as all then being related easily
to such an arcane thing to him, doubtless-so, as was the Vorsetzer and
it's papier perforateurage.

Within this writer's modest collection is an LP record of Felix De
Cola's own generation titled "Felix De Cola . . . Romantic Piano," and
as inscribed upon it's face boldly it exclaims: "To Mr. Joe Tushinsky.
Thanks for a fascinating evening of music! (signed) Felix De Cola
(dated) Aug. 6/60"

For this recording, as is stated on the back of the cover, a Bösendorfer
was used.  As Mr. De Cola was known too as a broadcaster at radio
station KMPC in Los Angeles, likely it was this circumstance that
brought himself the piano and Mr. Tushinsky together and later, created
the thought groundwork leading to program.  Just speculation of course
but, this seems not unreasonable to presume at least tentatively,
pending more information appearing.

This very LP I fished-out (i.e. rescued from the most cruel Jaws of
Oblivion) of that same great dumpster that swallowed later, the famous
Shores devil's-head door knockers Ampico Vorsetzer! SUCH ignominy as
visited upon a thing so distinguished as that, is hard to conceive as
existing but, there 'twas languishing on it's poor back!

Following directly is a link leading to an .mp3 of part of an interview
with Felix De Cola as conducted by his son, Lee De Cola.  It is most
revealing and to myself deeply touching.  It affords to one a good idea
of the quality of the man and his excellence generally.

  http://ldecola.net/mgt/interviews/felix/01%20GRANDPARENTS.mp3 

Note: For any possibly interested in having a copy of the second KBI
broadcast, just P-M me and I will be happy to forward it as an
attachment.  (I think The MMD Archives cannot handle it's large size,
it being just over 25megs., otherwise I would place it here.  That would
be better.)

I hope that some MMD readers find this information of interest, and even
possible use.

Jim Miller
Las Vegas, Nevada

 [ Speculative Fantasy Program for the Second KBI Broadcast -- October 9, '66
 [ http://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/19/10/03/191003_023844_KBI%20Programs%20IIb.png