Left Alone Rhapsody: Behind the Lens With Filmmaker Stewart Schulman

Episode Summary

In this conversation with filmmaker and self-described Renaissance Man Stewart Schulman, we discuss his multifaceted career and his collaborations with John Bayless, highlighting projects like One Hand One Heart and the award-winning feature documentary Left Alone Rhapsody: The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless. Schulman shares  Bayless' life from childhood illness and genius piano playing at age four to Julliard as Leonard Bernstein's protege; from his Baptist upbringing to conversion to Judaism; and from playing the piano around the world as a Steinway then Yamaha artist with two hands to his re-invented life post-stroke re-learning to play the piano with his non-dominant left hand.  Stewart's stories about his life and the filmmaking process are delightfully accented by John's music and one-man show, One Hand One Heart.  I hope this episode (and John Bayless episode!) inspires you to see the fabulous film, Left Alone Rhapsody.

About Stewart Schulman

I love stories. Watching them.  Telling them. They’re journeys that open our minds—our hearts—and show us new ways of thinking.  

I aim for my work to be entertaining and socially relevant—challenging perceptions and inspiring ‘change’.  It’s how we grow.  

People I work with have called me a “Renaissance Man”—because I’ve explored many different creative mediums to broaden my skills as a writer, director and producer. They also tell me I bring an even-keeled temperament to the table, keep my work environments professional and enjoyable, and get the job done right.    

Contact me with questions.  I look forward to working with you in the future.  

https://www.stewartschulman.com/

Act Two MediaWorks

From This Episode

Left Alone Rhapsody: The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless

Watch the trailer for Left Alone Rhapsody.Watch at Reel Abilities Film Festival in New York City on April 4th, with a live performance by John Bayless on April 8th Free Tickets HereWatch at the Sarasota Film Festival on April 10th Tickets HereWatch at the Jewish Film Festival of Pittsburgh on May 2nd, with a live performance by John Bayless Tickets HereWatch the Long Island Premiere on May 9th at the Jeanne Rimsky Theater , with a live performance by John Bayless

John Bayless – One Hand One Heart: My Life & My Music This new ‘one-man-one-hand only’ play—with music by Gershwin, Bernstein, Puccini, Mancini, Rachmaninoff, Rodgers, Legrand and the world-renowned concert pianist, John Bayless, himself—takes audiences on the journey of John’s remarkable life. John talks openly about his highs and lows, and his determination to create a second act for himself as an artist.

The play begins with a 4-year-old John becoming a musical prodigy in his hometown of Borger, Texas, which sets him on a life-long adventure and a 30-year career as a concert pianist, which is suddenly halted by a debilitating stroke. John shares the "hell" he faced, post-stroke, trying desperately to journey back to life  to be an artist in a new way. His spiritual awakening led him to his unbelievable comeback, concertizing with his left hand all alone!  This inspiring one-man show evokes laughter and tears, showcasing John’s astonishing musicianship, as he shares his amazing life-story.

Music featured in the episode:

That's It! composed by John Bayless  with Robert Freedman, featured in One Hand One HeartWinter Tableau  composed by John Bayless, used in collaboration with choreographer Heidi LatskyRhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin, reimagined for one hand by John Bayless

Heidi Latsky Dance

Find and Follow Carole and Wisdom Shared:https://www.caroleblueweiss.com/Subscribe to  YouTube channelFollow and send a message on FacebookFollow and send a message on LinkedInFollow on InstagramFollow on TikTokFollow on ThreadsThe Wisdom Shared TeamAudio Engineering by Steve Heatherington of Good Podcasting WorksCo-Producer and Marketing Coordinator: Kayla NelsonProduction Assistant: Becki Leigh