His piano tracks and vocals were finished. Our long-time elevator friendship (He lives in my building) had evolved. For me, not always that trustful of Broadway type singers in the studio, the sessions had been a big surprise. This 82 year old former Broadway regular had rented my studio, brought one of NYC’s best studio pianists with him and recorded an album full of great music and fresh approaches.

This man could still sing! Plus, he connected with the lyrics like few singers I know.

All I had left to do was to mix this piano/vocal album. I put up the first song, one of my all time favorites, The Girl Next Door.

How could I ignore the girl next door
I’ve loved her more than I can say
She never tried to please me
Didn’t even tease me
And she’d never seen me glance her way…

…But I just adored her
And I never could ignore her
The girl next door

I was hooked. I spent the rest of the weekend orchestrating the song, adding bass, strings, harp, French horns, flutes to the mix. I soared along all weekend on this great old Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane standard. I didn’t care whether Richard paid me for my work, liked it or didn’t, I just needed to be a part of this great musical moment between pianist Frank Owens and the perspicacious Richard-Charles Hoh.

As it turned out, he did like it. And no, I never asked to be paid for my work. I received plenty else.

It’s on the CD.