Keyboards – ROOTNOTEMUSIC BLOG

This post is a continuation of my last post by the same title. We were discussing the genius and legacy of James Booker with renown roots music producer Scott Billington, who produced Booker’s last album, Classified, and through Rounder Records is re-issuing it with previously unreleased tracks. I’ve heard the entire album and would recommend…

James Booker: Producer Scott Billington on the enigmatic “Bayou Maharaja” (Part 1)

Apr 14, 2014

in Blues, Classic soul, Jazz, Keyboards, New Orleans, Piano, R&B, Soul

James Carroll Booker III (1939-1983) was one of the foremost musical and piano geniuses of the 20th century, yet his name is not as widely known beyond music lovers, musicians, and New Orleanians. That should change because his last album is being revisited by a reissue of his album Classified by Rounder Records by renown…

Trouble in mind: AJ Croce plays the blues his way

Mar 24, 2014

in Blues, Jazz, Keyboards, Piano

I recently was introduced to AJ Croce, an incredible singer/songwriter, boogie-woogie and barrelhouse blues piano player, and guitarist, whose new album Twelve Tales was released in February on Compass Records. Anyone whose been reading my blog should know that I’m a huge blues fan and I also have a love for boogie-woogie and barrelhouse blues.…

Words and sounds that inspire at the start of 2014: from the city of angels with love

Jan 29, 2014

in Chicano, Civil Rights, Folk, Funk, Hip Hop, Jazz, Keyboards, Los Angeles, Piano, Spanish Civil War Songs, Trumpet

“The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.” ~ MLK, Jr. The year 2014 is upon us and as we come to terms with tragic consequences of global apathy, the creative mind and spirit of the earth and universe instills in us the…

Bio Ritmo: psychedelic salsa dura

Apr 15, 2012

in Electronic, Jazz, Keyboards, Latin Jazz, Piano, Salsa Music

All the photos in this blog are by Chris Smith. Richmond-based salsa band Bio Ritmo has been playing their progressive, original, 70s Puerto Rican-style salsa for over 20 years. The lineup has changed over the years, but one thing has remained the same – true, pushing-the-limits, road-warrior musicians. I first saw this band at an…

Legends of the 88s: Cuba to Chicago, New Orleans to New York

Sep 6, 2010

in Blues, Chicago, Country, Creole, Cuba, Jazz, Keyboards, Latin Jazz, New Orleans, New York City, Piano, Salsa Music

Since September is traditionally back-to-school month, I thought I’d do a short history lesson on some of the most influential roots piano players. Whether barrelhouse, boogie woogie, boogaloo, or rumba, hard pounding rhythmic piano playing has found its home in the brothels and the concert halls, with styles traveling that swath of land and sea…

Raw, swampy, earthy, pure groove: Florida’s JJ Grey & Mofro

May 31, 2010

in Blues, Country, Fender Rhodes, Funk, Harmonica, Keyboards, Piano, Slide Guitar, Soul

One of my favorite musicians/bands is North Florida’s JJ Grey & Mofro. They were first MOFRO and now they go by JJ Grey & Mofro, but regardless I’ve been following since their first album, Blackwater. My sister played them for me and I fell deeply in love at first sound. I listened to that album…

Category: Keyboards

James Booker: Producer Scott Billington on the enigmatic “Bayou Maharaja” (Part 2)