Published: May 1, 2013 at 10:15 PM MDT Last Updated: May 2, 2013 at 12:10 PM MDT
BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) - At 93, Pete Ferno is as old as jazz and just as cool.
Once a month, you'll find him behind a set of drums laying down the rhythms for his performing partner, Art Houle. The two men are a fixture at the Garden View Senior Living Center, where Pete is a resident.
Together they fill the huge space with music from a more innocent age, and Pete wouldn't have it any other way.
"The man has a heart and soul that only comes from a genius," Pete says with admiration. "This guy is a genius, really."
Art looks over at Pete from his piano stool and his bashful smile tells you immediately that the feeling is mutual.
"No kidding. He's a pro," says Houle. "I mean, it's obvious from the first time I played with him."
Their play-list leans heavily on Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington and Cole Porter. That's because Art knows his audience, as well as his drummer--a pro who can handle anything he throws the man's way.
Art adjusts his glasses and then beams at Pete.
"He picks up obviously what I'm doing, body language-wise. It's just amazing," says Houle.
They finish a set that includes a soulful rendition of "As Time Goes By," during which Pete's brushes coax a singular magic from the cymbals at his knee, a sound like steel leaves rustling.
Art glances Pete's way. He's still marveling at his partner's panache.
"He is a mind reader," says Houle. "You catch how many times this guy is telepathic? All kidding aside, I'm the one who feels honored to play with you."
"The man has a heart and soul that only comes from a genius," Pete says with admiration. "This guy is a genius, really."
Art looks over at Pete from his piano stool and his bashful smile tells you immediately that the feeling is mutual.
"No kidding. He's a pro," says Houle. "I mean, it's obvious from the first time I played with him."
Their play-list leans heavily on Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington and Cole Porter. That's because Art knows his audience, as well as his drummer--a pro who can handle anything he throws the man's way.
Art adjusts his glasses and then beams at Pete.
"He picks up obviously what I'm doing, body language-wise. It's just amazing," says Houle.
They finish a set that includes a soulful rendition of "As Time Goes By," during which Pete's brushes coax a singular magic from the cymbals at his knee, a sound like steel leaves rustling.
Art glances Pete's way. He's still marveling at his partner's panache.
"He is a mind reader," says Houle. "You catch how many times this guy is telepathic? All kidding aside, I'm the one who feels honored to play with you."
"It's mutual," Pete says quietly.
Read more: http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/jazz-drummer-music-piano-Pete-Inferno-Art-Houle-senior-citizen-205639211.html?tab=video&c=y
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