Park Musician

Snuggled into a Manhattan park table, William Davis searches for the music inside his soul.

The jolly 52-year old with salt-and-pepper hair loves to go to Bryant Park each evening for several hours and teach himself new instruments. First the piano. Then the guitar. Can’t forget the keybord. And now the flute.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Davis says. “Man, keeps my mind off a lot of other stressful things. To me, music is real enjoyable. You’re never too old to do something you want to do.”

Davis didn’t discover his musical talents until late in life.

“My real interest was rekindled in my 40s,” he said. “I met a lady friend who plays the drums, so out of curiosity I sat down and wrote a couple songs, so with that it started a new beginning. It opened up a whole new world. But it’s kept quiet because I do it for me.”

Davis would love to someday play for big crowds and tips, but right now he’s still practicing. He started playing the flute only two weeks ago, but he already has a good feel for it.

“In the last few days I’ve adapted to it quickly,” he said. “I learn instruments real fast. Which I’m amazed, because I’m a late starter. It’s amazing. Sometimes people come by and give me encouraging words.”

“Right now, it’s basically the mere enjoyment, and if it goes any further it would be a bonus,” he added.

Music keeps Davis going. His life revolves around it. And he’s always looking for new instruments to add to his arsenal.

“The next step is to try other things,” he said.