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 …
Rock Legends
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 …
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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 …
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“Wild Horses” Video – 1995 Toshibi/EMI Studios in Tokyo
The vote for the next IROCKU piano lesson came down to two songs- “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones or “Stormy Monday” by the Allman Brothers. It was a close call but “Wild Horses” won the race. We’ll get started on “Wild Horses” and follow up with “Stormy Monday”. There are literally hundreds of covers of “Wild Horses” ranging from The Flying Burrito Brothers, Leon Russell, South Side Johnny, The Indigo Girls, to Alicia Keys. For the IROCKU lesson we’ll use the 1995 arrangement off the “Stripped” album by the Stones. This is pretty much a guitar centric song. It’s got some of Keith Richards’ most memorable riffs. But it also has room for some great keyboard fills, something we haven’t focused on. We’ll make it work! This “Wild Horses” video was recorded at the Toshibi/EMI Studios in …
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The Rolling Stones’ Piano Players
Beginning back in 1963, for the first six years of their touring career, the Rolling Stones didn’t have a dedicated touring keyboardist. Founding member and keyboardist, Ian Stewart, was relegated to road manager because he didn’t ‘look the part’. For these early tours, Rolling Stones’ founder and guitarist, Brian Jones, sat in on the piano when the song called for it. After Jones’s accidental drowning in 1969, Ian Stewart was brought back onto the stage to play the rockers- such as “Honky Tonk Women” and “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll”. But Stewart refused to play ballads or any songs in minor keys. He was a blues rock and boogie woogie purist. From 1971 through 1973, English pianist extraordinaire, Nicky Hopkins, toured with the Stones to fill in on the songs that Stewart turned down. But …
Joe Cocker “Feelin’ Alright”- with Mark Alexander on Piano
Here’s a video of Joe Cocker singing Dave Mason’s Traffic classic, “Feelin Alright”. The piano intro to this song is one of rock’s most recognized piano licks, originally played by Artie Butler on Joe Cocker’s debut album With a Little Help from My Friends. This “Feelin Alright” video features session and stage keyboardist, Mark Alexander. Joe Cocker was known for surrounding himself with the top musicians in the music industry. Guitar greats Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton all made their way into a Cocker session. Saxophone phenom, Bobby Keys notoriously known for his work with the Rolling Stones shared his chops on the “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” (1970) live and “Jamaica Say You Will” (1975) albums. Clarence Clemens played sax on “Unchain My Heart” (1987). But for …
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Aretha Franklin- “The Queen of Soul”. Rest in peace.
Aretha Franklin- "The Queen of Soul". Rest in peace. Here's a young 22 year old Aretha singing her heart out as she always did. God bless the queen. …
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A moment in rock history- how the Dixie Dregs were discovered
Here's an esoteric piece of music history we just stumbled upon. Rod Morgenstein of the Dixie Dregs talks about how in 1976 Chuck Leavell, who was keyboardist with the Allman Brothers at the time, saw them playing in a Nashville bar. Capricorn Records signed them right up! The Dixie Dregs are an instrumental band that fuses hard rock, southern rock, progressive metal, and even some classical. Could this have been the inspiration for Chuck's rock/jazz fusion band "Sea Level"? 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!!! …
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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!!! …
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Muddy Waters & The Rolling Stones – Baby Please Don’t Go
12 Bar Blues Guitar Lesson Here's a treat for the New Year. A magical session in 1981 where the Stones stumbled (literally!!!) into a Muddy Waters gig at the Checkerboard Lounge in Chicago and joined Muddy on stage. It takes awhile to lure Mick on stage but once there both bluesmen shine in the glory or the moment. Baby Please Don't Go" is a standard 12 bar blues. 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!!! …
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Rest in Peace, Tom Petty.
Rest in Peace Tom. Thank you for all the great music you've given us. …