This is a collection traditional popular songs I have played on piano or keyboard in solo or with instrumental accompaniment.

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This recording was made to show the use and value of MIDI instruments during pandemics, unavailability of suitable musicians, and as a bridge for musical collaborations over long distances.  My selection is "Sweet Georgia Brown" in Gypsy Jazz style, an American standard song published in 1925. It has been recorded by countless musicians and was popularized by the "Harlem Globetrotters" as their theme song. 
  
The recording is based on a rhythm guitar and bass backing track by  Christiaan van Hemert, a well known Dutch musician.  I then added Midi piano, Hammond B-3 organ, and electric bass for various solos and riffs.  I used a Yamaha P-80 Electronic Keyboard and Logic Pro recording software for the recording.

Sweet Georgia Brown (Gypsy Jazz Style)

My keyboard arrangement of this great Mercer Ellington tune accompanied by a bass and drums backing track courtesy of Backingtracks Jazz.  This is strictly a non-commercial, non-profit addition to my soundfiles for evaluation by family and friends.

Things Ain't What they Used to Be

I am grateful to Frank Vignola and his backing track since I do not access to a live rhythm section.  I created my piano arrangement on my Yamaha P-80 Electronic keyboard.

Autumn Leaves

This recording is in memory of Tony Bennett, one of my favorite singers of all time.  He was a consummate musician and his is song renditions exhibited impeccable timing and phrasing.  He will be greatly missed.

I Left My Heart In San Francisco

Having an interest in astronomy, I observed the "Blue Moon" on August 30 of 2023 which inspired to record a little arrangement of the famous song.

Blue Moon

My goal for this album was to arrange standard traditional hymns in an eclectic fashion using a number of musical genres including gospel, classical, jazz and pop formats.  It is my desire that most listeners will be able to identify with one or more of the musical styles and approaches utilized in these arrangements.

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

This song, by Tom Hench, is a spoof or satire on life in a retirement community.  It speaks of fun and frivolity, but also the challenges of culinary, movement around and about, and other services.  Above all, it attests to the lasting value of fellowship, song, and conversation with others.  Lyrics: Tom Hench.  Vocals: Tom Hench. Instrumental Music:  Tom Hench and Lew Scharpf.

"Thirsty Thursday Blues"

I wanted to add my two cents worth to this wonderful jazz standard with the help of Mr. Sunnybass on acoustic bass. Recorded with a Yamaha Digital Piano P-525 with a midi connection in to Logic Pro X.

Out of Nowhere

This arrangement is a result of my desire to do a simple not-to-fast version of this great old standard. I also wanted it to be in trio format with piano, guitar, and bass.  Finally, I had to record in Midi format as I did not have a guitarist and bassist nearby.

On the Sunny Side Of The Street

Red Flowers and Music are an integral part of this iconic day for sweethearts.
This recording features my arrangements of two of the most popular classic love songs, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" by Friedman & Whitson and   "Embraceable You" by George Gershwin

A Valentine Medley

It is mid February, 2025 and basketball season is here.  As a pianist and longtime follower of the great "Harlem Globetrotters" I was compelled to do my own arrangement of the Trotters theme song "Sweet Georgia Brown. Not having a bassist around, I used a track of the great Italian bassist Mr. Sunnybass (Mauro Sereno).  I am grateful to Mauro for making this version of my arrangement possible.

Sweet Georgia Brown (Celebrating US Basketball)

A very clever new song by my songwriter friend Tom Hench.  It was a pleasure to work with Tom on this one.
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released February 12, 2025
Tom Hench: Vocals, bass
Jim Dooley: Drums
Lew Scharpf: Lead keyboard
Mr. Roboto: Background keyboard
Guitar: Public Domain

"Everything is Copacetic"

Rise and Shine (Noah's Ark Song)

Embraceable You

Stars Fell on Alabama

I have been enthralled with Bossa Nova music for many years, especially the songs composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim. My favorite composition by Jobim is "The Girl From Ipanema".  As a pianist I love to play with rhythm instrument accompaniment but for this recording I did not have accompaniment available.  Fortunately, a great French guitarist, Martin Gioani gave me permission to use a track from his jazz ensemble. Because of the beauty of the Ipanema beaches, I added a video track to capture the mood and ambiance of the song.

Girl from Ipanema

Arranged by Lewis Scharpf for cello and piano accompaniment, this traditional hymn is in a style as might have been arranged by Camille Saint-Saens ("Carnival of the Animals"). The cellist is my sister, Marnie Kaller, and the accompanist is Rick Kaller, my nephew. I am grateful to them for recording this piece and allowing it to be used on this site.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus (Cello w/ Piano Accompaniment)

An arrangement using midi keyboard with piano, Hammond Organ, and Bass in track assignments in the style of Ray Charles.

Drown in My Own Tears (Ray Charles Style)

My favorite Hoagy Carmichael songs recorded on a Steinway Concert Grand Piano.  Songs include in order of recording:  "One Morning in May", "Stardust", "Moon Country", and "Up a Lazy River" Credits to my friend and superb recording and video producer, Rex Roach.

Hoagy Carmichael Medley

My goal with this site is to present an eclectic approach to piano, instrumental, and vocal music with a focus on religious music and the American Songbook.  I have incorporated various musical styles and venues into my music including traditional, gospel, contemporary, classical, pop, and mainstream jazz.  It is my hope that listeners will be able to identify with one or more of the musical styles and enjoy my arrangements and compositions.  I am also a nature/wildlife photographer and hope that my music reaches a diverse audience just as biodiversity is a theme of nature and wildlife.

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Eclectic by Nature