Overview

Paddy Milner
Paddy Milner

Lesson time: (1min 8sec)

Paddy introduces the next tune Tipitina. A tune made famous by Professor Longhair with his 1953 recording. It's a great tune for demonstrating the afro-carribean and afro-cuban influences on NOLA music.

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This lesson is part of the course Play Authentic New Orleans Piano
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Lesson transcript:

Welcome Back!

Folks, now we're going to look at an absolute New Orleans classic, a great tune: Tipitina.

History of Tipitina

  • This is an old song that goes way back, recorded by many great musicians.
  • Classic versions by:
    • Professor Longhair (first recorded around 1953)
    • Dr. John
    • James Booker
    • A whole bunch of other great New Orleans musicians

Be sure to check out those recordings for an idea of Professor Longhair's playing style.

Musical Influences

Listen closely; the song has a big rumba feel with lots of Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Cuban influences.

Performance

I'm going to play a version of Tipitina now that covers a bit of the Professor Longhair style, along with some Dr. John and a mix of other influences.

So, have a listen for those rumba and Afro-Caribbean influences.

Let's hear it!

About the instructor

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 "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

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40 lessons (2h 58m)
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