Lesson time: (4min 16sec)
Paddy Milner breaks down the soloing language of Professor Longhair and Dr. John on 'Tipitina', from F7 chord ideas to horn-call phrases you can use.
This lesson is part of the course Play Authentic New Orleans Piano
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
So, let's look at a little solo section. If you listen to some of Professor Longhair's solos or Dr. John's solos on this tune, there's a kind of common theme where:
I'll play a version that is essentially a paraphrase of Longhair and Dr. John from the turnaround.
To start, we're outlining the F7 chord, and I'm adding the 13th and the 6th. Here's a nice little rundown that works well, as you would expect.
In this piece, you might use the bugle call idea along with a slightly double-time feel. You could also opt for just single notes.
When I play that, it almost makes me want to play a little shuffle feel over it, but that's another thing we will have a quick look at.
Feel free to throw in those kinds of double-time elements.
So, there are a couple of little ideas for soloing!
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
