"Blue Lampshade" Tom Brier Playing An Original Composition 

I feel the same....

I've seen a lot of tragedy in my life, and I think the answer that comes to me after everything is accounted for is truly that the only way most people can see what they really had is to lose it. I just wish he could have had a little longer.

​@@nullmeasure6155The universe is random and careless. We just live as best as we can in the time we have.

Yes he possesses unbelievable skills as composer and pianist. Tragic that in August of 2016 was involved in a traffic accident that has left him with traumatic brain injuries. Is bedridden in a rehabilitation facility, learning basic things again, how to speak, move his limbs and hopefully someday be able to do things for himself. He has made progress from being in a coma for weeks to simple things through his therapy.....Has taken steps with a walker, right hand doesn't move real well yet. We all wish and pray for recovery but brain trauma is complicated.....Thanks for watching and the response..............VBR

verybigrifle Yes; i know these things since ca. 2 or 3 months, and my heart is bleeding because of that, i learned to love Ragtime; to play ragtime only because of Tom.... and Joplin!😅 . Anyway. Its a tragedy.

verybigrifle I was so glad when i found a sheet from tom in the Internet, its "Improvisation on Over the Top"; Arrangement of H. Mezzasalma. Now Im working on this piece. But as he had this horrible accident, this will stay the only piece i can play from him... i guess. And im sad about it!

He sold many of his pieces in folio's. I believe he had 4 of them in print that he sold online and at festivals? Not sure HOW they can be obtained now??.....VBR

verybigrifle Thats the problem, there's no way to obtain them since his accident. Masterpieces of music, many people ask for them. (Although i think, i wouldnt have the skills for these pieces, but i would try it). Now i hope for him, for his family and for the whole Ragtime community, that he recovers on day.... im 16 years old, but in 20 years, thats my dream, i will travel to the USA and maybe.... i see him! And i will buy his compositions, all of them! 😀

Yes he is...........VBR

Not that i am aware of......Tom doesn't write simple to play things............VBR

NO. Last I heard Feb 2021 his family brought him to the family home from 4+ years in re-hab facilities. He only speaks a few words, wheel chair bound, left hand can play some on keyboard but right hand not. Needs care and home is set up for family and caretakers to see he gets that. His severe brain trauma from the accident has left Tom an invalid, as of this date...VBR