Song of the day #78: 1980’s Ragtime Medley by Scott Bradlee

Very impressive Stride piano chops. If Scott Joplin heard this, he would flip in his grave. He would also be a bit confused about the combination of 80’s music and ragtime, but that’s besides the point. Scott Bradlee was very smart in making this video by taking what he knows very well (Ragtime jazz piano) and mixing it with a popular music genre. Not only are his skills impressive, he does about 10 songs in under 6 minutes. He also does a 20 song version, but that may be a little excessive…Check out his other videos, he wont let you down.

Song of the Day #77: Rhapsody in Blue- Debussy style (Played by Richard Grayson)

Here is the grand finale. A bit over-dramatic, but still pleasing to watch.

Part 2 of the duel scene in the film: The Legend of 1900.

…to watch part 1, click here.

Little French Jam session with a mini piano.

sonofdidymus sent me this video of an interesting controller that can be programed to have any sound setting you want. And though, i think its cool to look at and play, I really dont want to have to learn a new keyboard layout. I’ll be happy with my piano and keyboard. Thanks.

A Good Night song.

Duet. Bass & Piano.

The Broken Finger Blues

I was messing around on my piano when I came up with an interesting lick. I decided to incorporate it into a blues piece. I call it “The Broken Finger Blues” because I can only use 8 fingers. I broke my index and middle finger on my left hand about a month ago while busking in NYC. Here is the story.

I did this in 1 take and improvised everything on the spot. I like doing things like that. Mistakes are blessings!

This is such an intense piece! It’s really impressive. I especially love how it ends.

daisukeh:

Street piano on NY Subway

天平さんといえばニューヨークのストリートライブの映像が有名。自分は数年前の春に放映されていたNHKの番組で知った。上原はるみさんの早弾きも素晴らしいテクニックだけど、天平さんのテクニックは神がかりだと思う。機関銃のような打鍵から創りだされるハーモニーが美しすぎる～。

Cool Mario bro’s jazz piano…

Song of the Day #67: Something Corporate- Konstantine

This song has a little bit of sentimental value to it. The first girl I was ever really close with loved this song and while we together (which was around the time I started playing piano), i took the time to learn this song, which is very simple. This song is definitely much different than any other pop/rock song you have heard. Again, this isn’t the kind of music I like to listen to in my own spare time, but I do think it has some value to other musicians.

Its important to notice that the song itself is 10 minutes long. Which is very different from any other pop/rock band. There’s a story about a relationship behind the entire piece, which is nice to see. The song is repetitive in terms of chords, but it does change and build up very well throughout the song, until the climax at 8:25 which is very dramatic. There is even a section where the band gets to jam out, but nothing like Coltrane or Miles. If you get the chance to listen to the whole song, you can hear how the band uses crescendo’s/decrescendo’s and how they incorporate all the other instruments into the song. It’s a well though out song.

Song of the day #66: Earl King- Big Chief (Played by Professor Longhair, Dr. John, Earl King- Live)

Here’s what I’m listening to right now.

Chucho Valdez- New Orleans

Im really digging this groove. Multiple genre’s again, latin, Jazz, New orleans….its beautiful!
’

fruitsyringe:

Yaroldy Abreu

I love the sounds of latin percussion. Conga’s have such a living sound to them.  I especially love that wooden Guiro. 

meggieschwendemann:

Have a nice weekend everyone :)

Poncho Sanchez Live in Switzerland

I showed them

Song of the Day #63: Biz Markie- Just A Friend

I believe this is a hip-hop song that you must know, along with Biz Markie and his skills. This song came out in 1989 when hip hop was beginning to become more and more popular, and cassette players were still common. Biz Markie gradually became more popular through his beatboxing and rapping in the late 80’s. (Around the time I was born: 1986) This song is his only successful single in the Pop genre. If you havent heard any of Biz Markie’s beat boxing, i suggest you listen here.

I really like the piano lick which is taken from a song by Freddie Scott- You got What I need which was recorded in 1968. It’s pretty amazing to listen to the Freddie Scott song and then the 1986 Biz Markie song because you can hear the evolution of where Hip-hop came from. The Freddie Scott song has a hip-hop beat to it. 

Here’s a little commercial break from all your hard day’s work on tumblr.

I love reading about the Marx brothers. What a wonderful story about the lives of 5 amazing entertainers who were ahead of their time. Did you know that there was a 6th Marx brother…not a myth. They are all great inspirations.

In watching this video, I love the playfulness and ease at which Chico plays the piano. I yearn for that ease!

Song of the Day #52: Valentina Lisitsa playing Chopin Etude Op 10 No. 4

Just press play…..I think you understand what I mean.

This Ukranian born pianist is considered a Pianist Electrifying. And by watching this video you can see electricity flow through her fingers and onto the keys. In order to play a piece like this, you need to have just focus, coordination, and your hands have to be so incredibly relaxed. I’m sure that there are only a very few people in the world who can play like this. If you watch closely, you can see that Chopin composed this piece so that the melody continuously switches from one hand to the next very rapidly.