Lesson 30 of 40PianoIntermediate

Towards a latin feel

1:42

Paddy looks at how you can take the implicit latin groove, and really bring it out, either as a feature in the solo or comping. Paddy demonstrates how far you can push the latin feel towards cuban territory, before bringing it back to the classic NOLA feel.

Part of the coursePlay Authentic New Orleans Piano40 lessons (2h 57m)

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Paddy MilnerYour guruPaddy Milner

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40 lessons (2h 57m) · 1 free
    • 01. Overview

      1:08

    • 02. Performance

      3:02

    • 03. Form and Introduction - Professor Longhair Octaves

      4:45

    • 04. Form & Feel

      5:22

    • 05. Right hand

      2:30

    • 06. Turnaround Ideas

      2:59

    • 07. Solo Section Ideas

      4:16

    • 08. Nailing the groove

      4:00

    • 09. Making it funkier

      Free lesson

      7:56

    • 10. Towards a latin feel

      You are here

      1:42

    • 11. Straight against swung & Harmonic Variations

      5:46

Lesson transcript

Exploring Cuban Rhythms with a New Orleans Feel

So, yeah, you will have just heard on that last example that you can kind of hint at more of a Cuban kind of Montuno thing going on with a kind of Tombaugh in the left hand.

Key Points

  • Cuban Music: This sound represents a whole world of amazing rhythms and feels, which I love. However, it's a whole other universe to explore.
  • New Orleans Approach: We can approach this from a more New Orleans feel.

Fills and Musicality

You can hear here that you could use that fill over the whole sequence if you like.

  • If you're playing this tune, you can throw these things in.
  • It can be fun, especially if you're playing with other musicians, to throw these fills around.

Hopefully, people will have the musicality to listen and be sympathetic to that.

So, yeah, have fun with it!

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Paddy Milner

Paddy Milner

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
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  • "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.

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