"Virtual Tom Brier" concert at 2023 Historic Sutter Creek Ragtime Festival

[@melodysimms4835]

We miss you Tom. Your playing, especially your improvisation, was next-level. You’re a musical genius and I wish everyone in the world could hear your playing.

[@bonobo2000]

This is one of the saddest things I've seen in my life. I totally respect and praise the owner of this channel for helping Tom become famous over the years. Without Keeper1st (and very few other channels, but this is the main one) I wouldn't know about Tom Brier. I hope someone will be able to visit Tom more often than before. Apparently his friends couldn't see him too much during Covid times. This is not what Tom deserves. Hopefully some positive updates will soon come out.

[@bencarter8324]

1:48 - Blue Sahara (An Oriental Fox Trot) (Tom Brier, 2007) 5:53 - Spasmodic (Tom Brier, 2005) 9:17 - Cedar Crest (Tom Brier, 2007) 14:32 - Elephant Tracks (Tom Brier, 2004) 17:38 - Razor Blades (Tom Brier, 1994) 25:03 - The Lion Tamer Rag (Mark Janza, 1913) 29:24 - Peacherine Rag (Scott Joplin, 1901) 34:12 - Redneck Rag (“Brian March,” but probably Tom Brier and Eric Marchese. Composed in the late 90s or early 2000s) 37:27 - Blackberry Fox Trot (Tom Brier, 2004) 43:12 - Over the Top (Tom Brier, 1994). 47:20 - Skunk Hollow Rag (Tom Brier, 2001) Thank you Ron for preserving Tom's legacy. This was a wonderful concert, and I didn't even mind that the camera was close to the piano, as that is how it would be if you were typically recording him.

[@chuckster1639]

Thank you for providing this tracklist!

[@doctormahrio5226]

Yeah, your awesome!

[@gustavobraga582]

We miss you playing Tom ❤

[@_WooWho]

The only thing missing is his trademark laugh after he’s done playing!

[@Keeper1st]

I mention that at the end.

[@CovenantAgentLazarus]

Your comment just pushed me to the edge of crying

[@bryanrickard7712]

Toms arrangements are BRILLIANT. This is a great tribute to a musical genius.

[@jumpythehat]

That is one hell of a typo

[@bryanrickard7712]

@@jumpythehat woah. Fixed

[@Persun_McPersonson]

@@jumpythehat Please, I need to know what it was.

[@cjadventures8840]

@@Persun_McPersonsonWhy

[@kombatwombat9742]

I was happily scrolling through the video for the legend to show up until I noticed the picture on the piano. I feel a sadness that can’t be described

[@Keeper1st]

The picture is of Tom holding the Lifetime Achievement Award he received last year from the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation.

[@OTOss8]

All you need to do is close your eyes and he's right there with us all. Man he gave us so much amazing music in a such a short time. Tom is just awesome. His speed and accuracy with the left hand is world class. Thank you for sharing this with us. I really enjoyed it.

[@hagenl.2975]

Great idea using this to illustrate how he once played live, I am so glad that you, Ron, thought about using recording pianos for this matter! It gives off a lot of the energy Tom had in his playing as opposed to just the transcriptions of his playing.

[@Keeper1st]

We have the late John Motto-Ros to thank for most of this. All but one of these performances were at concerts he commissioned, and he had the piano recording. The "Over the Top" performance from 2013 was thanks to the late Richard Reutlinger, as he had his piano recording for a set Tom played with the Raspberry Jam Band at his home during the 2013 AMICA convention.

[@paulslack7298]

These are all musical treasures, and are of considerable historical importance as well, for it keeps this grand music ALIVE. So very much appreciated!!!

[@quantumleap359]

We miss you so much Tom, I am so glad his talent was recorded and is able to be played again. My heart is saddened by the accident that took his wonderful talent from him. God bless you and keep you Tom.

[@GontyWasHere]

We all hope to hear him play again someday. Get well soon Tom!

[@sarahgrosskopf3508]

9:00 I almost fell out of my chair. I think I've heard Cedar Crest before, but thought it couldn't possibly be connected to the ice cream because that's mostly a Wisconsin thing. I live two blocks away from the Cedar Crest ice cream factory and have been going there all my life. It's not new, it's been there since 1976. If you go to any ice cream shop in my part of Wisconsin, they are more than likely serving the Cedar Crest brand. And yes, the Elephant Tracks flavor is very good. Thanks for keeping Tom's music alive.

[@AsianShadowrunner]

The very first Tom video I saw was the Super Mario World ending songs. I loved his works since then. I agree with others here, we miss you Tom. Your skill was unmatched and you always light up the room.

[@gustavobraga582]

Same here! It was Super Mario World Ending Theme, and I know the exact date it happened. It was Aug 22nd, 2019. Since then he has been part of my life. Cheers to Tom's fans all over the globe!

[@inf0rmix2011]

Same for me - without this, I would have ditched all my keyboards already :D

[@tekkiethetektite]

Thanks as always for the updates. Still praying on healing for Tom!

[@maryannmomsen9547]

Love him ❤ 💕 miss him so much

[@78chuck]

This is a beautiful tribute Ron. You introduced Tom to many of us, thank you for continuing to carry the torch.

[@summeraethers]

Thanks for doing this!

[@artie360]

Great tribute to Tom, Ron, you are probably the greatest champion of Tom and his music. Thank you!

[@sidescrollmusic]

Tom inspired me so much when I was little.Thank you for doing what you do and keeping his music alive.

[@xxPenjoxx]

That was beautiful 🥺😍 Thank you for taking the time to input all this into the player piano. I am incredibly thankful that Tom's music has been documented so well over the years 👏

[@Keeper1st]

The input was by Tom himself. These were all live performances by Tom playing on recording pianos (in all but one instance, this same piano actually).

[@dreadpirateroberts8670]

I will always love you Tom ❤😢 you’re an amazing friend Ron.

[@jhonatanasher]

How is Tom? I discovered his story literally yesterday through the video in which he plays the Yoshi's Island theme. I felt devastated to hear about the accident, but I hope he is alive, well and recovered. I had never seen someone play with so much determination and passion. I send all my admiration to you, Tom. A big kiss and a hug from Brazil, know that your work reached my country.

[@Keeper1st]

He is alive but will never recover.

[@jhonatanasher]

@@Keeper1st I'm so sorry 😞😞😞 it's good he has good friends.

[@storm2666]

​@@Keeper1stI have been wondering about this for years, thank you for sharing the information, I'm so sorry to hear it as well :(

[@tron103]

I can't believe it 😢

[@buckeye9252]

His family failed to give him the treatment he needed for thier benifit.

[@Schimnesthai]

36:50 Brilliant! You were actually a good presenter because you were more than prepared, with good anecdotes, fun moments and overall becoming an important part of this experience, thank you.

[@jellybryce7742]

Thats great. Thanks for this.

[@sandraospina1313]

We miss him so much! He should be there, playing. Hope he gets better. Are there any updates on him?

[@RetroBusker]

Beautiful! I learn at least 1 Tom song a year no matter how busy, as without him would'nt have learned so much depth about whats possible in creating possible fleshed out directions a once limited song was❤

[@kyongu375]

my teenage years were spent listening to tom brier's amazing sight reading arrangements on video game music which is what I'm sure most people here know him for. I remember learning about his accident in 2016 when you uploaded the video about it, and now I am 24 popping back in to listen to his music here and there. I'm grateful he is still alive, but saddened that he may never make a full recovery. thank you for this.

[@jakedomoto6802]

Tom is such an amazing dude!! It sucks how medical conditions, family trying to be protective, friends and fans seeking answers, and a bit of fame can make a nasty mix. I wish us fans were able to get more updates on Tom. I know his condition and his life are very private. But we really love the guy and worry about him. I know KZbin is and was not a big deal to Tom himself... but the love we have for Tom is real. Whatever the situation is, I hope that the Lord softens the hearts of those around Tom, and allows them to see that Tom is loved out here. We can accept if Tom will never play again, we can even accept if he has not made great steps in recovery, but it will be really hard to accept not knowing anything and being left in the dark. I wish there was a way fans could support Tom. Either financially or just by sending an uplifting message to be read to him. In any case I will add Tom to my prayers. I hope he and his family are doing well. God Bless you Tom! Thanks a lot Ron for posting these videos and keeping us all up to date as much as possible. I. know you can't tell us the full situation but perhaps explaining why you can't or won't explain the full situation would help put our minds at ease. Take care now. Bye

[@Keeper1st]

I have given whatever updates I hear about, on the updates channel of the Discord. There just isn’t much. His condition seems stable at this point so there’s no news to be reported.

[@jakedomoto6802]

@@Keeper1st I have been keeping an eye out over the years. The updates have been far between. I guess when I saw how spread out they were and how little we knew I made the assumption that we weren’t getting it all. I saw where he was in a nursing home, then moved to a facility getting 6 hours of therapy, and then eventually moved home with family. Then the woman had updated us telling us there were signs that he was still himself on the discord. Did he ever get his iPad? Do we know if he’s capable of using it? How is his speech, memory, and motor skills after the therapy? I guess if there hasn’t been significant improvement then I can accept that. I just hope that Tom is doing well. I hope that he’s still enjoying his company of friends and family as much as possible and enjoying sheet music or music in anyway that he is still able too. I have a lot of respect for Tom as a person and talented musician/composer and for you for being a good friend to him. I found you/Tom many many years ago when KZbin was still young. I was in my early twenties. I’m a young man of 34 now and I find with each passing year I grow more empathetic for Tom and fall deeper in love with his art. In the glimpses of Tom that we get through the videos you post it’s clear that he is an odd man with a sense of humor and a smile that’s infectious. He seemed to have his ways about him but his playing is pure and good and his talent off the charts. I wish I could’ve had the honor of meeting him in his prime playing days. It’s so very sad what happened and unfair. People need to use their damned brains and stop speeding/put their phones down. It breaks my heart that we may never get to hear Tom stroke those keys again. Anyway I am rambling. I appreciate the updates you’ve given and the glimpse into Tom’s playing that you shared with us all. I’ll keep praying for Tom and his family. I hope all is well for him.

[@bonobo2000]

I couldn't write a better comment. I'm slightly relieved that I'm not the only one who was devastated by learning about the accident. I still keep commenting on KZbin several years later, because I probably haven't come to terms with it yet.

[@Keeper1st]

@@jakedomoto6802 His family was shown things that can be done with the iPad and reportedly commented, “Well look at that!” in surprise. Unfortunately, they’re not terribly tech savvy. Given my experience having Tom try to use a computer mouse (he just mashed buttons repeatedly and laughed at whatever happened on screen), I do not think he has the mental capacity to use an iPad on his own. I talk about his memory in this video and also reported the same on the Discord late last year.

[@Pedro10044]

its sad and also something bittersweet....good to hear your music again, Tom - wherever you are - Thank you!

[@ILexe]

Thanks for sharing !

[@meeelak]

Beautiful, thanks Ron for sharing this concert ❤

[@SimJackson]

Love that this exists! As one who only ever really heard his improv covers of different pieces its really nice to hear some of his original pieces!

[@levilevis9032]

Great to see people still love Tom's music. How is he doing? Has he regained any mental faculties since last update?

[@MetGrad]

Thank you so much! That was wonderful!!

[@ktakeguchi42]

I wouldn’t have believed these are played by an actual person if I hadn’t seen Tom’s playings… anyways, thank you so much for uploading this!

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

This is fantastic, I love Tom Brier's music! Let's continue to hope he makes a great recovery!

[@ThatManSpam]

Hey Ron, amazing performance! I’m sad I wasn’t able to stay for the whole thing. My grandma is the lady on the corner and that’s me and my girlfriend next to her. :)

[@user-ws3sl9xi7y]

Miss ya Tom. Hugely inspirational to me as a piano player. Definitely have an influence on my style.

[@Croter8ment]

Very nice! I will always love Tom's performances.

[@goodtimesupreme]

Love to hear Tom's genius. This is sad, too. Thank you to the channel owner for sharing his music with the world

[@skyesprik4772]

Thank you, Ron

[@johnblakeH]

I haven't even watched/listened yet, but I already know I'm going to love it.

[@JimmyFraggs]

Life can be profoundly cruel, and listening to BlackBerry Fox Trot stirs an overwhelming sense of melancholy. I’m grateful to experience such breathtaking music from an extraordinary artist, yet I can’t help but feel a deep sadness, knowing that his remarkable gift was tragically curtailed by an accident. I hope Tom knows how much we all love and miss seeing him!

[@CovenantAgentLazarus]

This is truly beautiful

[@lauram5905]

I'm listening on a pair of decent headphones, and it really feels like I'm sitting in the hall, don't feel too concerned about the camera quality, it captured enough to make this a very enjoyable listen.

[@Guitarhero1000]

love this man

[@OkayIGuessss]

I cried as soon as the piano starting playing. It’s so sad. From the empty seat, to the almost mournful look keeper1st gave, it’s all so sad. I hope Tom is living his best life

[@user-ru2ib8eq6x]

I wish we could see him play. :(

[@hagenl.2975]

Same 😢 But we can still be happy that we were able to experience his masterful playing, thanks to (not only but greatly) the care of Keeper1st for documenting a lot of his performances.

[@lukekong2194]

We missed you Tom

[@The_Throngler-tf2]

Hello! I hope to one day meet Tom. Hopefully he plays these wonderful tunes once again! Ill pray for him.

[@Persun_McPersonson]

He, definitively, will never be able to play piano like he used to; he can only play some with his left hand.

[@aricori21]

Wow this is so awesome, brings me tears that he can't continue playing, as an aspiring pianist I wanna play a lot of tom's works eventually, he was so talented!

[@MrBeeCoolYT]

Indeed and same :(

[@metanogaming412]

We miss you playing Tom ❤ and thank you so much! That was wonderful!!

[@RS-gl9ht]

Thank you for this great concert Ron. Wonderful to know that you are keeping Tom’s music alive…

[@doctormahrio5226]

Im so happy I found this

[@puffyshoppy]

Cool

[@JoMamasHouse]

I miss watching his sight reads.

[@punishedkid]

I wonder what Tom would think about this.

[@chlhpua]

Wow, Razor Blades not in that god speed. What an interesting version of it. Thank you a lot, Ron

[@SadBnnuy]

Oh this is a wonderful way to pay tribute to him

[@metanogaming412]

the razor blade is INCREDIBLE !!

[@bencarter8324]

Right? I completely agree. My favorite part is at 22:14

[@HermanHiltsman]

😔💜

[@Krizefugl]

Tom might not be the inventor of rag but he sure as hell is the godfather of rag!

[@johnsmith1882-x2i]

Any news on Tom?

[@IsraelLopez-d4q]

Hello! I write from Spain. I love Tom Brier's music. I would like to send an email with information so you can read it. I wish I could read this message! Thank you for this compilation of songs.

[@Raxacoricofallapatorius]

Thanks for putting this all together Ron, was great to hear Tom's past performances. Do you know if Tom has tried playing anymore of the piano as of recent? I know he won't be able to regain his previous skill, but does he still show an interest in playing piano?

[@Keeper1st]

Oh yes he definitely enjoys doodling at the keyboard. I have not seen him in four years but by all accounts he still enjoys being at the keyboard.

[@Raxacoricofallapatorius]

@@Keeper1st Thanks for replying, that's really nice to know!

[@DrPetem]

@@Keeper1sthow come you haven’t seen him for such a long period ? Has he worsened a lot ? Greets from Germany. I admire Tom Brier and actually working on razor blade. That’s a hell of a masterpiece…

[@Keeper1st]

@@DrPetem He is too far away for me to visit.

[@s6edge7]

everyone is going to ask this , but how is he?

[@Keeper1st]

Not everyone will ask that. Some will actually watch the video.

[@s6edge7]

@@Keeper1st holy dang . 1. I hope the guy is around 2. Merry Chrissy from the land down under 3. What was the cafe that tom used to shred keys at?

[@Jp-md3ir]

I still find myself struggling to understand all the points of what happened from the accident till now, is Tom at doing better now, or has at least his situation improved? I’ve played since I was 4 & have always been over impressed with his playing since I found him about 10 years ago. I would love to shake the hand of a true master 1 day.

[@Jp-md3ir]

And thank you keeper for all the updates through the years 💙💙💙

[@Starduckvalley]

What can we do to support tom?

[@deceasedblue]

i feel like you haven't bought a new camera in 10 years

[@Keeper1st]

Eight years ago I got the HD camera. I did just get a GoPro capable of 4K60, but it would not be suitable for recording music performances. It is for doing FUV videos.

[@herenaakuma85]

How is Tom doing? Last official update video was in 2020. Is he using ipad to call? Does he play with music apps? How's his mobility? I know that him playing how he used to is most likely absolutelly not possible but i hope he still can enjoy life and music. Much love for him ❤️

[@Keeper1st]

Last video update was last year, in the Virtual Tom Brier Concert. He cannot use devices.

[@herenaakuma85]

@@Keeper1st ill watch it than. Sorry to hear that. I often come back to some of his videos. He was great.

[@henriqueribeiro6747]

Is there any chance of Tom playing again one day?

[@Keeper1st]

Not beyond a little slow left-handed work.

[@henriqueribeiro6747]

I hope everything goes well with him. @@Keeper1st

[@Harmonyww]

Hey Keeper, do you remember the title or have a link to that video a TV channel did on Tom? If I remember correctly there was a clip of Tom playing the Fanatic Rag in it.

[@Keeper1st]

It was part of a show called The Collectors. I think the video was Best of The Collectors. Pretty sure it’s in my Favorites list…

[@fatalerror6469]

Best youtuber

[@SignalMan9292]

How is Tom brier doing in 2023?

[@crosbym100]

Hey Keeper1st, quick question: when people like tom are able to look at a piece and change the key signature, what is going on in their head? If it’s in Ab major and they play it in Bb major, do they just keep in mind that they have to play everything one note up? Are there ways to perfect this skill?

[@Keeper1st]

They think in intervals and relative chords - not in absolute notes. So instead of thinking, “This is an E-flat 7 on the page but I have to play it as an F7,” they just see a V7 chord, so play the V7 chord for whatever key they happen to be playing in at that moment.

[@crosbym100]

@@Keeper1st Oh interesting. So if I spend time getting familiar with intervals and chords then I would have an easier time switching keys in my head?

[@crosbym100]

@@Keeper1st Or is the gift that Tom has a matter of genetics, you know, with his perfect pitch and stuff. As someone who doesn’t have perfect pitch, is it possible to get remotely as good as he was with being able to improvise and switch keys?

[@Keeper1st]

@@crosbym100 It is a learned skill. This is how other musicians could do things with Tom like in the video of Maple Leaf Rag in 12 keys, or just decide on a whim to play something familiar in a particular key. As I recall, the video I have of Jeff Barnhart and Andrew Barrett riffing on “Indiana” has a key change called out by Jeff, for example. Andrew can follow along because he knows the chord sequence of the tune in relative terms rather than absolute values.

[@crosbym100]

@@Keeper1st Yeah I totally get it, it looks so cool! I just don’t really know where to start - I assume trying to play maple leaf rag with a different key signature is fruitless because of my lack of experience.

[@fuhrerlandon]

What is Tom's current condition? I wish he can recover

[@Keeper1st]

Watch the video.

[@shynodaa]

I don't understand if he's alive or not

[@Keeper1st]

You could try watching the video.

[@dailydols]

I have issues with "reading between the lines", I need directer answers. Is Tom still alive? Will he be fine? Fell free to delete my comment, but please answer me. Kind regards!

[@Keeper1st]

Answers are heard in the video.

[@196cupcake]

Has Tom Brier passed away? Last I heard, he had stalled in his recovery from the car accident he was in.

[@Keeper1st]

No. I talk about him here and show the audience a picture of him with his recent award.

[@196cupcake]

@@Keeper1st ahh, ok. You are a good friend to him. I hope he knows that, even if we never touches a piano again, we're all still cheering for him to get better. His Yoshi's Island athletic theme is my favorite version of it. The mistakes, hitting the wrong chord and then fixing it, are what make it really good. I also find it funny how the right hand fast notes would be what most people struggle with, but for Tom that's the easiest part.

[@dxbrasky]

wheres the discord?

[@Keeper1st]

Link on channel Community tab.

[@ronniemillsap]

[@mrnoonan81]

Does Tom accept tips?

[@Keeper1st]

He did when he played. I am not sure if his family still has the Living Trust fund set up.

[@ToolShopGuy]

Ron, you sound so annoyed in the comments on all your videos. Why don't you copy a paste of blurb in every video description, leading people to the discord and saying that you have no new updates on Tom.

[@MagicContentWitch]

Rest In Peace Tom

[@Keeper1st]

He is resting at home peacefully, very much alive.

[@MagicContentWitch]

@@Keeper1st oops my bad thanks for the clarification

[@landonrivers]

@@Keeper1st same sentiment stands lol

[@dzz5799]

lol

[@nobodyhome3753]

My gawd. Its being recorded already. Why cant people just experience things anymore. put your damn phone down

[@RiedlerMusics]

how about you mind your own business? we don't need your negativity

[@klg9549]

If recordings weren't made, we wouldn't have things like this in the first place.

[@bencarter8324]

Have you ever watched a Tom Brier video?