European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - November 3, 1986, Darmstadt, Hesse Monday novembers 1986 the stars and stripes profit chief master sol. Thomas my Kkt Bill Elins officer for the 4dlst services so plays in his unique style which lie developed Willcut taking formal piano lesson. Torrejon a no has noteworthy pastime by Brenda Hoster staff writer Torrejon a Spain sunlight streams through a nearby window gently touching the Black and White keys of the baby grand piano. The pianist touches the keys even More gently and fills the Liny room with notes of reverie. The easy listening sounds that come from chief master sol. Thomas Mes sick s baby grand weren t Learned from endless visits to the piano teacher s Home. When he was 8, his Mother bought an old Hamilton piano along with some correspondence lessons for s3 5. She taught me to read music and then encouraged me to practice every Day he said. She was thrilled with the idea that we could Surprise my father when he came Back from working in the Navy Yard. I was t so thrilled though. But it worked. When he came Home we truly surprised Messick billeting officer for the 401 is services so has developed his own style by not having any formal lessons since i never Learned to play with a beat i had to develop my own style he said. I play a blend of classical numbers and mix them with modern arrange ments and vice versa. It All comes in gel or and makes the style 1 like to play Messick said he sometimes makes up arrangements As he plays but he does t write his own music. What 1 need in do is record myself As i m playing so i can Lair transcribe in onto music the 50-year-old musician from Oaklawn. Hi., said. Over the years Messick has played on air bases in Germany and in local restau rants. He now plays for Torr Tyon s offi cers club and frequently is asked to play at dinner parties und other special Occa Sions. style of play has a calming Citel on some. He recalled a group Lour he and his wife Lise. Were on several years ago in Norway. Messick discovered a piano in he lounge where they were Ealing and decided to play. I played for about i a hours and when i turned around inc whole group was he chuckled. Penelope the Messicks dog. Also likes the sounds her master creates. She always snuggles up in my arms and sleeps when Tom starts to play list said. Although Messick does t plan on making a full Lime profession Oul of his musical talents he still continues to try to perfect the sound. But he does t play often enough As far As list is concerned. Sometimes i have to beg him to play she
