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irocku / August 13, 2019

WSJ Article: Chuck Leavell Remains the Calm Center of the Rolling Stones

Here's a great interview from the Wall Street Journal, Aug 9, 2019: One of the greatest pianists in rock ’n’ roll history divides his energy between music and farming "Chuck Leavell is the calm in the eye of the Rolling Stones’ crossfire hurricane. Throughout the band’s current 17-show “No Filter” tour of American stadiums, you’ll find the keyboardist center-stage, within eyeshot of every member of the 11-person group. He’s the guy they look toward to steady the ship if they feel a song wobbling or need a reminder or a cue. While the 76-year-old Mick Jagger rooster-struts across the giant stage, showing no signs of his recent heart surgery, Keith Richards and Ron Wood peel off the loud, raunchy guitar riffs that have defined the band’s music for 55 years, and Charlie Watts …

irocku / August 8, 2019

Full Concert Video- “Chuck Leavell & His Big Band” live at the Gramercy Theatre, Aug 7

Here is the full concert of “Chuck Leavell & His Big Band” live at the Gramercy Theatre, Aug 7. This concert is a real treat. Chuck performs many of his signature songs from the Allman Brothers, The Rolling Stones, and some of his own but he goes BIG with the 16 piece “Big Apple, Big Band” which includes many of NYC’s top studio and session musicians. As a special surprise for the audience, for “Honky Tonk Women”, Chuck brought out a few of his bandmates from the Rolling Stones; Charlie Watts on drums, Daryl Jones on bass, Sasha Allen on vocals, Karl Denson on sax, and Matt Clifford on cow bells. It was obvious that Charlie had a blast, Sasha got to shine and belt out the verse, and Karl’s sax solo was electrifying. And Daryl did what Darryl does best- he held down the groove. …

irocku / August 6, 2019

Chuck Leavell & His Big Band- Livestreamed on Relix

RELIX will be hosting a FREE LIVESTREAM of the Chuck Leavell & His Big Band on Wednesday, August 7th, 8:30PM at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC. Click here to join livestream. Learn how to play rock and blues piano from one of rock’s greatest. Chuck Leavell, legendary keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, The Allman Bros, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and more. Join Now and SAVE!!! …

irocku / July 31, 2019

Chuck Leavell Live at Paste Studio NYC

In this interview at Paste Studio, Chuck talks about his experiences with the Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, Train, The Black Crowes. He talks about tree farming, and he also talks about his upcoming big band concert at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC on August 7th. Chuck also plays three tunes. Tumbling Dice - Rolling Stones Living in a Dream - Sea Level Statesboro Blues- Allman Brothers Band "Living in a Dream" piano lesson Learn how to play rock and blues piano from one of rock’s greatest. Chuck Leavell, legendary keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, The Allman Bros, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and more. Join Now and SAVE!!! …

irocku / July 31, 2019

Chuck Leavell Interview- Q104.3 ‘Out of the Box’

In this interview with Q104.3, Chuck talks about his experiences with the Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, Train, The Black Crowes. He also talks about his upcoming big band concert at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC on August 7th. Learn how to play rock and blues piano from one of rock’s greatest. Chuck Leavell, legendary keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, The Allman Bros, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and more. Join Now and SAVE!!! …

irocku / July 31, 2019

Chuck Leavell and His Big Band- New Date- August 7

Due to the rescheduling of the Rolling Stones tour, Chuck's concert at Gramercy Theatre in NYC has been rescheduled for Aug 7. Chuck will showcase a big band project a number of years in the making. “Chuck Leavell and His Big Band,” will feature Chuck performing special arrangements of classic rock ‘n’ roll and original pieces as a big band. Click here for tickets. Learn how to play rock and blues piano from one of rock’s greatest. Chuck Leavell, legendary keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, The Allman Bros, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and more. Join Now and SAVE!!! …

irocku / July 31, 2019

Art Neville Piano Lesson- “Hey Pocky A-Way”

In honor of the late Art Neville we are featuring "Hey Pocky A-Way" by The Meters as the current lesson. Click below for the piano lesson and sheet music: "Hey Pocky A-Way" piano lesson "Hey Pocky A-Way" was written by Art Neville along with the other members of The Meters - Leo Nocentelli, George Porter, and Joseph Modeliste. Neville's musical legacy stands tall among the great New Orleans keyboardists of his generation; Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, and James Booker. Neville’s particular contribution to New Orleans piano playing are the funky rhythms he explored with his bands, The Meters, The Neville Brothers and The Funky Meters. "Hey Pocky A-Way" introduces you to the New Orleans ‘second-line’ groove which is a killer to learn but a blast to …

irocku / July 10, 2019

“She’s Not There” Piano Lesson – The Zombies

The current lesson is "She's Not There" by The Zombies. Click below for the piano lesson and sheet music. "She's Not There" piano lesson Of all the lessons in irocku's catalogue, “She’s Not There” is perhaps the most representative of unadulterated rock piano. As songwriter Rod Argent explains, he approached this musical composition beginning with the bass line; inspired by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys who often expanded a song around the bass line. The bass line in the introduction and verse is a driving straight eighth-note pattern that covers the chord changes and provides a solid foundation for the syncopated melody line which is harmonized using thirds, sixths, and octaves. In the chorus, the bass line shifts to a syncopated pattern played under an equally syncopated melody …

irocku / July 3, 2019

Shawn Pfaffman – Southern Jazz Pianist, Composer, Teacher

IROCKU is honored to welcome Shawn Pfaffman to our team of writers and instructors. Shawn is a soulful Jazz and Blues Pianist from Jacksonville, FL. His signature style, "Southern Jazz" is a flavorful gumbo loaded with Blues, Soul, Gospel and Funk. He was a Semi-Finalist at the 2017 International Blues Challenge. He has performed throughout the world as a solo artist, band leader and sideman. Shawn has recorded 6 solo albums including his latest release, "Southern Jazz Piano". His piano and Hammond B3 playing has been recorded in studios for artists in genres including: Pop, Rock, Country, Hip-hop, Jazz, Blues, and Reggae. Shawn studied Music (Jazz Studies) at Auburn University and has taught and performed professionally for over 20 years. Shawn will be teaching Live Online …

irocku / June 7, 2019

Rest in Peace “Mac”(aka Dr. John)

I met “Mac” ( aka Dr John) in 2010 after one of his gigs at SUNY Purchase, NY. During the intermission Mac’s drummer, Roscoe (Herman Ernest III) was meandering through the crowd striking up conversations with whoever was within his reach. Roscoe was a charming guy and a fireball of charisma. Roscoe asked if my wife and I were enjoying the show and then asked if I was a musician. “Not really, but I am teaching myself how to play rock piano”… when my wife chimed in with “and he’s writing a book about it”. Well, that was all Roscoe needed to hear. Roscoe dragged us back stage to meet with Mac. In a language that I barely understood Mac said “ guy (that was me!) dat’s a great idea. Lezz do dis ding”. And that was how IROCKU got started. That was also one of the last shows that Roscoe performed …

irocku / April 10, 2019

Top Country Piano Players

When it comes to country music, the piano has always played second fiddle to the guitar. But there are a handful of pianists who have broken through to help shape the sound of country music. "Get Rhythm" piano lesson Most notably is Floyd Cramer, who could be considered the King of Country Piano for his work with Hank Williams, Chet Atkins, and Elvis Presley. Hargus “Pig” Robbins is considered Nashville’s top session keyboardist, recording with Dolly Parton, Patti Page, Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, Merle Haggard and a dual recipient of Country Music Association’s musician of the year. We can’t leave out Moon Mullican, the “King of Hillbilly Piano Players”. And Ray Charles made his mark on country music with “I Can’t Stop Loving You” ranked on the list of 100 Greatest Songs of …

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