Episode Summary

My special guest for this episode is pianist John Bayless, whose story is featured in the incredible documentary Left Alone Rhapsody: The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless. In our conversation, John reflects on life before and after his stroke.  Post-stroke, John's resilience shines through as he embarks on a remarkable path of self-recovery and discovery. Teaching himself to play with just his left hand, he defied the odds and embraced a new chapter. John's story and music  make this episode a must-listen, just as the documentary is a must-watch.

About John Bayless

John Bayless is an internationally renowned concert pianist, composer, improviser, and prolific recording artist.  A protégé of Leonard Bernstein and a Yamaha artist, John is a crossover artist known for how he blends classical training and piano technique with popular music in imaginative improvisations. Despite a debilitating stroke halting his illustrious 30-year career, John refused to surrender. Instead, he embarked on a second act, teaching himself to play with just his left hand. This story is brilliantly shared in Stewart Schulman's documentary Left Alone Rhapsody: The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless. 

From This Episode

Left Alone Rhapsody: The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless

• Watch the trailer for Left Alone Rhapsody.
• Watch at Reel Abilities Film Festival in New York City on April 4th, with a live performance by John Bayless on April 8th Free Tickets Here
• Watch at the Sarasota Film Festival on April 10th Tickets Here
• Watch at the Jewish Film Festival of Pittsburgh on May 2nd, with a live performance by John Bayless Tickets Here
• Watch the Long Island Premiere on May 9th at the Jeanne Rimsky Theater , with a live performance by John Bayless

The John Bayless Fund for Brain Research

Yamaha's Disklavier

Music featured in the episode:

• Circle of Life, from the album "Circle of Life: The Music of Elton John in the Style of Bach"
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,  from the album "Circle of Life: The Music of Elton John in the Style of Bach"

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The Wisdom Shared Team

• Audio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting Works
• Co-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla Nelson
• Production Assistant: Becki Leigh