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 …
Such a Night
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. …
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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 …
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