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Art Neville Piano Lesson- “Hey Pocky A-Way”

In honor of the late Art Neville we are featuring "Hey Pocky A-Way" by The Meters as the current lesson. Click below for the piano lesson and sheet music: "Hey Pocky A-Way" piano lesson "Hey Pocky A-Way" was written by Art Neville along with the other members of The Meters - Leo Nocentelli, George Porter, and Joseph Modeliste.  Neville's musical legacy stands tall among the great New Orleans keyboardists of his generation; Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, and James Booker. Neville’s particular contribution to New Orleans piano playing are the funky rhythms he explored with his bands, The Meters, The Neville Brothers and The Funky Meters. "Hey Pocky A-Way" introduces you to the New Orleans ‘second-line’ groove which is a killer to learn but a blast to …

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Rest in Peace “Mac”(aka Dr. John)

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 …

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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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