The Stompin’ Style of Pianist Frank Melrose

Jeff Barnhart: This column is a special one for me! Several years ago, Hal introduced me to the music of Frank Melrose (it’s truly a highlight to play Melrose’s “Market Street Jive” with Hal) and to his daughter, Ida Melrose (Shoufler). Hal and I call her “Aunt Ida” and to her we are “Nephew Hal” and “Nephew Jeff.” How did you meet Ida, Hal? Hal Smith: In the early 2000s, Ida made contact with pianist Butch Thompson. Butch, knowing of my interest in Frank Melrose’s music, put me in touch with Ida. JB: Aunt Ida, that meeting changed your life, didn't it? You hadn’t known your father’s music firsthand. Ida Melrose Shoufler: I‘m the youngest, and only surviving child, of three children born to Frank and Frances Melrose. I was only two years old when my dad died. I didn’t remember him at all. When my mother told me about my dad it was like she was talking about someone in the old family history. He didn’t seem real to me until 20+ years ago when Hal Smith and Mike Meddings came into my life. I was thrilled to hear they knew there was something special about my father’s piano playing. Without them I would never have known. You contacted me by email, Nephew Hal. I still have that first letter, I printed it out and it is safe in my tote of treasures. You sent me se