Booker style stride
Lesson time: (4min 15sec)
Paddy unpacks how Booker incorporates stride style playing into his basses. Booker mixes up the traditional ragtime formula with anticipations. This can be heard in Sunnyside of the Street
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Play Authentic New Orleans Piano
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Exploring Booker's Left Hand Technique
Let's look at another little idea that Booker uses in his left hand. This is a really hip little technique he employs when playing slightly more stride-influenced piano.
Example in B Flat
Here's how it plays out in the key of B flat:
- Basic Stride: Rather than just playing a straight stride, which is more associated with ragtime, Booker anticipates the rhythm.
- Bass Line: The essential bass line is simple, but he's enhancing it by adding a sixth.
- Chromatic Passing Notes: Along with the anticipations, he's incorporating a cool little chromatic passing note.
Hearing the Bounce
The effect of this technique sounds like this. Suddenly, you start to feel that signature "Booker bounce" a lot more.
- Adding Rolls: You can also throw in those little rolls, which create a neat trick for playing stride patterns.
Application in Other Tunes
You can hear this technique in action on the G in "Sunny Side of the Street" and again on the E flat. And remember, why not use it on the minor as well?
Experimenting with Other Songs
Here you have another great little idea. Try putting it into other tunes, like "Keep Going Back to Junko Partner."
So, have fun with that bass too!
About the instructor
Paddy Milner is recognised as one of the leading blues piano players in the world - he is currently keyboard player of choice for Sir Tom Jones, following several years with the late, great Jack Bruce - but he is also a superb original songwriter and a distinctive singer. Just read the praise from the likes of Dave Brubeck below! His playing was featured on the soundtrack for the hit 2019 film 'Rocketman'. He has twice won the award for Best Keyboard Player in the British Blues Awards, and he holds a long-standing residency as a founder member of the Ronnie Scott's Blues Explosion at the world-renowned Ronnie Scott's club. His current group LONDONOLA plays homegrown British music with a strong dose of New Orleans spirit, and his collaborative group JAWBONE goes from strength to strength following the release of their self-titled debut album. "I love it... there's a guy who can really play the piano" - Dave Brubeck "I highly recommend it. Somehow things start to feel much better!" - Jack Bruce "The best blues piano player in Europe..." - Blues Access, USA "Impressive & original" - The Times "Dazzling" - The Independent Across his courses, Paddy breaks down authentic blues shuffle, slow blues, boogie-woogie, rock 'n' roll and New Orleans piano - right down to three classic boogie-woogie songs - so you can learn these styles from one of the very best in the business. read more