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 …
Top Country Piano Players
When it comes to country music, the piano has always played second fiddle to the guitar. But there are a handful of pianists who have broken through to help shape the sound of country music. "Get Rhythm" piano lesson Most notably is Floyd Cramer, who could be considered the King of Country Piano for his work with Hank Williams, Chet Atkins, and Elvis Presley. Hargus “Pig” Robbins is considered Nashville’s top session keyboardist, recording with Dolly Parton, Patti Page, Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, Merle Haggard and a dual recipient of Country Music Association’s musician of the year. We can’t leave out Moon Mullican, the “King of Hillbilly Piano Players”. And Ray Charles made his mark on country music with “I Can’t Stop Loving You” ranked on the list of 100 Greatest Songs of …
Chuck Leavell and His Big Band
Chuck will be taking a detour from the Stones tour on June 15 to perform his own gig at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC. Chuck will showcase a big band project a number of years in the making. “Chuck Leavell and His Big Band,” will feature Chuck performing special arrangements of classic rock ‘n’ roll and original pieces as a big band. Chuck was invited to do a concert in Frankfurt, Germany, with the Frankfort Radio Big Band some years ago. He sent a number of songs he wanted to perform to the arrangers ahead of his arrival. Three different arrangers created charts for a big band. “Man, it was just amazing,” Leavell said. “I was so blown away when I heard the charts they had done and the power and the talent of these players. It was really surprising. I said, Chuck, you have to step …