Piano Man [Legacy Edition]

Lyricist: Billy Joel.Personnel: Billy Joel (keyboards); Dean Parks, Larry Carlton, Richard Bennett (guitar); Eric Weisberg, Fred Heilbrun (banjo); Michael Omartian (accordion); Ron Tutt (drums); Susan Steward, Creamers (background vocals).Audio Mixer: Frank Filipetti.Liner Note Author: Jonathan Takiff.Recording information: Devonshire Sound, North Hollywood, CA (04/15/1972); Sigma Sound Studios (04/15/1972).Illustrator: Bill Imhoff.Photographers: Don Hunstein; Art Maillet; Steve Weitzman.Arranger: Michael Omartian.The title track from Billy Joel's major-label debut, 1973's PIANO MAN, became a smash hit, and put the singer-songwriter/piano player on the musical map for good. A story-song, the verses consist of character sketches given by the resident musician at a bar-lounge, and these build toward a sweeping, melodically infectious chorus and a melancholic, carnivalesque refrain. The tune demonstrates Joel's flair for narrative and lyrical detail, as well as his unmistakable knack for