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 …
Dr. John
The Anatomy of a Bass Line – Piano Lesson: “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu”
There aren’t a lot songs that have been covered by as many different artists representing such a variety of musical genres as “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu”. It’s easy to lose sight that this song was originally recorded over 60 years ago, back in 1957, by the little known piano great, Huey ‘Piano’ Smith. Huey ‘Piano’ Smith was born in New Orleans, Lousiana and was influenced by both the boogie woogie stylists and the other great New Orleans’ piano players of his era; namely Professor Longhair and Fats Domino. Huey ‘Piano’ Smith’s version of “Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu” is a fusion of a boogie woogie bounce and a New Orleans syncopated melody line. It has become a New Orleans anthem and has made it to the list of Top Rock Piano Songs of all …
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. …
[Read more...] about IROCKU Featured Piano Lesson- “Such a Night” by Dr. John
Jools Holland & Doctor John as the “Boogie Woogie Twins”
During the 1930s and 40s pianists Pete Johnson and Albert Ammons would dress in identical clothing and play boogie woogie duets. In this video, circa 1988, Dr John and Jools Holland have recreated that long lost boogie woogie duet. Two pianos, twice the fun!! Who is your favorite rock piano player and what is your favorite keyboard song? Click here for the current list. Dr John is currently ranked 15th on our list of greatest rock piano players of all time with his signature keyboard songs "Such a Night" and "Right Place, Wrong Time". Jools Holland is ranked 48th on the list with his top songs "Pulling Mussels from the Shell" by Squeeze and "Uncertain Smile" by "The The". Learn how to play rock and blues piano from one of rock’s greatest. Chuck Leavell, legendary keyboardist for …
[Read more...] about Jools Holland & Doctor John as the “Boogie Woogie Twins”
Greatest Rock Piano Players
Our poll has reached over 150K viewers and Elton John and Jerry Lee Lewis are at the top of the list. No surprises there!!! The list below includes 150 of the top rock piano players along with the songs that made them famous. Who is your favorite rock piano player? Please comment below and let us know who your favorite is. Keep rockin! 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!!! The list has been growing daily. Here's our list with the top artists and their most popular songs. Come back and visit as this list will keep changing as the votes come in: Keyboardist Top Keyboard Song Elton John Tiny …
Top rock piano songs and performances
At IROCKU we have over 100k enthusiastic rock piano fans throughout the world who have voted for their favorite rock piano songs. Here are the top songs and keyboardists according to our ongoing poll. All the obvious rock piano songs appear on the list, "Great Balls of Fire", "Jessica", "Piano Man", etc, but there are also many hidden gems like,"Edward and the Mad Shirt Grinder","Alladin Sane" and more. Come back and visit as this list will keep changing as the votes come in. What is your favorite rock piano song or performance? Please comment below. 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. Beginners thru Advanced. Learn rhythm, groove and …
Etta James, Dr. John and Allen Toussaint-“Groove Me”
Legends Etta James & Allen Toussaint join Dr. John on this rendition of "Groove Me". Dr. John began his musical career in the 50's playing guitar because he didn’t believe he could make a living playing piano. In the 60s, his left ring finger was shot off in a bar brawl and he switched to piano as his main instrument. Here's a rare video of him playing guitar. Unfortunate for Dr. John, but fortunate for the generations of piano players to come. 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!!! …
[Read more...] about Etta James, Dr. John and Allen Toussaint-“Groove Me”