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 …
Rockin Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu
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 …