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irocku / March 25, 2019

Professor Longhair Piano Lesson – “Hey Now Baby”

The IROCKU feature lesson is "Hey Now Baby" by Professor Longhair. Click below for the lesson and sheet music. "Hey Now Baby" piano lesson Recorded sometime between 1949-1953, “Hey Now Baby” was eventually released in 1972 on the album, 'New Orleans Piano' by Professor Longhair. Another version of the song was released earlier by The Meters in 1971 under the name “Cabbage Alley” with Art Neville taking writer’s credit. We’re not sure why! The songs are virtually identical. Nevertheless it is an awesome version. When the Meters or the Nevilles perform the song live now, they do give credit to Professor Longhair. Professor Longhair’s playing is a cornerstone of rock piano. If you want to play Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, or Little Richard, learn how to play the techniques of …

irocku / March 20, 2019

RIP Kofi Burbridge- brilliant keyboardist and flautist

The world lost a brilliant musician last month. Kofi Burbridge, keyboardist-flautist-vocalist with the Tedeschi Trucks Band passed away due to heart issues. For those of you who don’t know of Kofi, his name might sound familiar as he is the brother of Oteil Burbridge, bass player for the Allman Brothers and Dead & Company. The following is a portion of Oteil’s tribute to his brother Kofi: "Kofi was my first and biggest hero. He still is. Even though I know all of his human frailties, and even things that used to frustrate me, I will never be any less in awe of his superpowers. They were discovered at a very early age. I thought he was normal as a kid. I didn’t realize how advanced he was until I started playing in high school bands and saw the difference. Trying to keep …

irocku / December 31, 2018

“Living in a Dream” Piano Lesson – Sea Level

Our current featured lesson is “Living in a Dream” by Sea Level. Click below for the lesson and sheet music. "Living in a Dream" piano lesson Happy New Year from Chuck and the irocku Team. Let us know what you want us to work on for the New Year. We’re considering a new Gospel Rock Essentials series. And perhaps some more blues tunes, maybe “Stormy Monday” and “Statesboro Blues” or possibly The Rolling Stones’ ballad “Wild Horses”. Are there any particular songs, styles or techniques you’d like to tackle this year? Here’s a video of Sea Level live at the Capitol Theatre in 1977. This is the only live Sea Level video that we have been able to turn up. Here’s the setlist: • Tidal Wave • Rain In Spain • Shake A Leg • Hideaway • Scarborough Fair • Hot 'Lanta • …

irocku / December 18, 2018

“Joy to the World” – Boogie Piano Lesson

It’s time to rock the holidays!!! Chuck Leavell recorded his Christmas album “What’s in That Bag?” back in 1997 during breaks from the Rolling Stones ‘Bridges to Babylon’ tour. The album was released in 1998, the same year the Rolling Stones released their live album “No Security”. “What’s in the Bag” began as a Christmas card from Chuck to his friends and family. It was first recorded in 1996 at a small studio in Georgia using local musicians. Capricorn founder, Phil Walden received a copy of the ‘Christmas card’ and offered to bring it to the public. Chuck’s buddy Johnny Sandlin re-recorded the tracks a year later bringing in Bill Stewart and Rodger Hawkins on drums, David Hood on bass, Kelvin Holly on guitar, Scott Boyer on guitar and vocals. "Joy Boogie" piano lesson The album …

irocku / May 15, 2018

The Rolling Stones No Filter European Tour Begins May 17

The Rolling Stones "No Filter Tour" begins Thursday May 17. Please let us know if you will be making it to any of the shows. 17 MAY DUBLIN, IR CROKE PARK WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THE ACADEMIC. 22 MAY LONDON, UK LONDON STADIUM WITH SPECIAL GUEST LIAM GALLAGHER. 25 MAY LONDON, UK LONDON STADIUM WITH SPECIAL GUEST FLORENCE + THE MACHINE. 29 MAY SOUTHAMPTON, UK ST MARY'S STADIUM WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THE VACCINES. 2 JUNE COVENTRY, UK RICOH STADIUM SPECIAL GUESTS THE SPECIALS. 5 JUNE MANCHESTER, UK OLD TRAFFORD FOOTBALL STADIUM SPECIAL GUEST RICHARD ASHCROFT. 9 JUNE EDINBURGH, UK BT MURRAYFIELD STADIUM WITH SPECIAL GUEST RICHARD ASHCROFT. 15 JUNE CARDIFF, UK PRINCIPALITY STADIUM SPECIAL GUESTS ELBOW. 19 JUNE LONDON, UK TWICKENHAM WITH SPECIAL GUEST JAMES BAY. 22 …

irocku / March 28, 2018

Documentary on Chuck Leavell- Rolling Stones Keyboardist & Musical Director

Allen Farst, acclaimed director, filmmaker and producer is currently working on a documentary about Chuck. The film will feature President Jimmy Carter, John Mayer, David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Bruce Hornsby, Warren Haynes, The Stones and other notable musicians and dignitaries. Allen is considering including a few video testimonials from Chuck's fans. If you have something cool and interesting to say about how Chuck or irocku has influenced your life, or your piano playing, please contact us at documentary@irocku.com. No guarantees you'll make it into the documentary but it's worth a shot. 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 …

irocku / March 22, 2018

IROCKU Featured Piano Lesson- “Such a Night” by Dr. John

The featured irocku piano lesson takes you for a frolicking journey down the Mississippi River with a New Orleans legend, Mac Rebennack, a.k.a. Dr. John. From his best selling 1973 album, Right Place, Wrong Time, “Such a Night” is a funky, light and bouncy song that showcases the musical heritage of the Delta. Dr. John’s piano playing is 150 years in the making, it is steeped in Southern culture, and when it accompanies his uniquely funky vocals, you have a fusion of soul, funk, blues and boogie that are all part of this great New Orleans sound that the Dr. has dedicated his life too. "Such A Night" piano lesson From the opening notes, “Such a Night” skips along at a moderate tempo, the melody is bright and airy, with funky breaks and pauses that are accented by the virtuosity of Dr. …

irocku / March 2, 2018

Charlie Watts – a Drummer and a Gentleman

Here's an interview with Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts- a drummer and a gentleman. Charlie talks about the upcoming tour, the future of the Stones, how he has stayed married for 45 years, and why he never had any desire to live the life of a rockstar. Although he does have a collection antique cars yet doesn't drive! 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 / March 2, 2018

The Rolling Stones UK, IRE and EU No Filter Tour Announced

The Rolling Stones are bringing the No Filter tour to the UK and Ireland this summer, with some additional European shows! Click here for more info. 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 / March 2, 2018

Volunteer Jam XX: A Tribute to Charlie Daniels

This year's Volunteer Jam on Wednesday, March 7th, 2018 / Bridgestone Arena, Nashville TN is a tribute to music legend Charlie Daniels. Since 1974, Volunteer Jam has brought together some of music’s greatest performers. Now, 43 years later, friends, fans, and an extraordinary lineup of musicians will come together for a very special night honoring music legend Charlie Daniels. Included in the lineup are two IROCKU musicians- ours truly Chuck Leavell and Peter Keys, keyboardist with the Lynyrd Skynryd band. This unforgettable concert event will feature performances by Charlie Daniels and The Charlie Daniels Band, ALABAMA, Alison Krauss, Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top, Blackberry Smoke, Bobby Bare, Chris Janson, Chris Young, Chuck Leavell, Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, …

irocku / February 16, 2018

IROCKU Featured Piano Lesson- “Jessica” by the Allman Brothers

The irocku featured piano lesson is "Jessica" by The Allman Brothers. "Jessica" Piano Lesson If you check out the videos of "Jessica" live you'll see that during the solo Chuck comps using the A and D chords in his left hand. The irocku lesson uses a left hand baseline similar to what the bass is playing so the lesson is actually more difficult to play. If you want to simplify the solo, you can play chords in the left hand similar to how Chuck is playing it. Click here to check out the Jessica videos in the sidebar. In our ongoing survey of Top Rock piano Songs and Performances, “Jessica” is currently ranked number two after “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis. Given that so many of the irocku members are also Chuck’s fans we’re sure that there is some bias in our poll. But …

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