"Notes From the Black Piano", 2nd edition, is a collection of 12 poems, read by the author. This is the third audio work that Minnesota author/ essayist/ poet Bill Holm has produced for audio release.

One of the Midwest's favorite authors, Holm is known for his insightful comments on society and his warm and compelling tales of the people he's met, the travels he's taken. Whether it's his old piano teacher, a crusty ship's radio man on board the Bakkafoss freighter bound for Iceland, or a colorful character from his hometown of Minneota, Minnesota, Holm weaves words that bring people to life.

Bill Holm's books include "Playing the Black Piano" (Milkweed Editions 2004), "The Heart Can Be Filled Anywhere on Earth" (Milkweed Editions, 1996/2000 Reissue), "Eccentric Islands: Travels Real and Imaginary," (Milkweed Editions 2000), "Coming Home Crazy: An Alphabet of China Essays (Milkweed Editions, 1990/2000 Reissue), "Boxelder Bug Variations: A Meditation on an Idea in Language and Music" (Milkweed Editions, 1985), and "The Dead Get By with Everything" (Milkweed Editions, 1991).

Born in 1943, Holm continues to live in Minneota half the year while he teaches at Southwest State University in Marshall, Minn. He spends his summers in a cottage in his ancestral home of Iceland. He is currently at work on a prose book on what the world looks like through the windows of Brimness and has just published a book of poems, many about music and travel, named "Playing the Black Piano". He has also recorded the unabridged versions of his latest books "Eccentric Islands" and "Faces of Christmas Past" with Essay Audio in St. Paul, MN.