Blues Piano Techniques with Chuck Leavell

Introduction
Chuck uses three songs from his “Back to the Woods” album to share different approaches to playing the blues. The first song he teaches and discusses is “Vicksburg Blues” recorded in 1930 by Little Brother Montgomery. “Vicksburg Blues” is a more somber, basic I-IV-V blues in the key of E, with a walking bass line. The next tune he teaches is “If You Haven’t Any Hay” in the key of D, also recorded in 1930, by Skip James. “If You Haven’t Any Hay” is a brisk tempo, syncopated blues with almost a calypso rhythm. For the third, song Chuck teaches a minor blues song, “Losing Hand” in the key of G written by Jesse Stone ( aka Charles Calhoun) in 1953 and made popular by Ray Charles.

Throughout the lessons, Chuck fields questions from the participants across a range of subjects; such as playing specific techniques, approaches to playing with the different bands he’s been associated with, and some straight up rock and roll questions.

Lesson 2: “Vicksburg Blues”
Chuck begins this video by asking the age old question “What is the Blues?”. In this video Chuck bases his instruction on the song, “Vicksburg Blues” recorded in 1930 by Little Brother Montgomery. “Vicksburg Blues” is a more somber, basic I-IV-V blues in the key of E, with a walking bass line. You’ll learn some cool blues licks and phrasings, how to intermix octaves and blues chords, and ways to build your own walking bass lines.

Lesson 3: “Vicksburg Blues” – Q&A
In this video Chuck answers the following questions and provides some playing examples:
1. How can you connect with Ian Stewart when you are playing the blues?
2. What is your thought process when you come to your solo?
3. How much guidance does a musician give you when are recording or performing?
4. Do you ever use jazz chords and techniques when playing the blues?

Lesson 4: “If You Haven’t Any Hay”
In this video Chuck bases his instruction on the song “If You Haven’t Any Hay” in the key of D. “If You Haven’t Any Hay” was recorded in 1930, by Skip James. “If You Haven’t Any Hay” is a brisk tempo, syncopated blues with almost a calypso rhythm. You’ll learn a funky syncopated blues rhythm, how to use call and response, passing tones, and left-hand blues variations.

Questions and Answers
In this video Chuck answers the following questions and provides some playing examples:
1. Have you been influenced by Richard T’s playing?
2. How to play the “If You Haven’t Any Hay” left hand blues walkup?
3. When playing the blues, what passing chords do you use?
4. What suggestions do you have for improving your ears.

Lesson 5: “Losing Hand”
For the final song, Chuck teaches “Losing Hand”. “Losing Hand” was written by Jesse Stone ( aka Charles Calhoun) in 1953 and made popular by Ray Charles. “Losing Hand” is a minor blues in the key of G. In the left hand, Chuck mixes walking bass with stride along with some minor chord fills, and tons of G minor blues riffs in the right hand and an occasional raised 9 chord.

Questions and Answers
In this video Chuck answers the following questions and provides some playing examples:
1. How do you develop a strong left hand?
2. When you play one of your legendary licks, at the beginning, do you know where it will end?
3. How do you avoid getting in the way of the bass player?

Lesson 6: General Questions and Answers
1. When you are playing with a bass player, do you play in the upper registers to stay out of the way of the bass player?
2. How much do your trim your playing down when you are playing in a band?
3. How did the alternative version of “She Talks to Angels” come about?
4. Which bands that you’ve played with did you feel the most comfortable playing with?
5. Do you have tips on fingering for complicated runs like on “Come and Go Blues”?