Background to Boogie
Lesson time: (1min 2sec)
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Play Authentic Boogie-Woogie Piano
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Lesson One: Boogie Woogie
Where Do We Start?
Well, I think the only place to start is with this: the left hand.
Clearly, one of the most defining and important aspects of boogie woogie is the left hand. It really identifies the style.
- Boogie Woogie Context
- Boogie woogie grew up in places for people to dance.
- People wanted to be entertained, to dance, and to let loose.
Comparison to Ragtime
Compared to ragtime, which was quite involved with lots of big jumps and required a fair bit of technical skill, boogie woogie was:
- More Accessible:
- It was accessible to people who perhaps didn't have all that technical skill.
- You could still create danceable music out of it.
The Atmosphere of Boogie Woogie
It grew up in juke joints and dens of iniquity, where people came to drink liquor and have a good time.
So, let's look at that left hand.
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