Piano – ROOTNOTEMUSIC BLOG

Harmonies and healing Frequencies: Musician Cinamon Blair carries On the musical legacy of her grandfather, left-handed Banjo & Guitar jazz musician Lee Blair

Dec 14, 2023

in American History, Banjo, Bass, Cherokee, Chickahominy, Choctaw, Eclectic Music, Folk, Georgia, Guitarists, Jazz, Massachusetts, Music therapy, New York City, Piano, Poetry, R&B, Songwriting

As I was recovering from the flu last week I decided to watch the documentary American Symphony on Netflix and it was absolutely heart-wrenching and timely and spoke to the incredible creativity required to survive a history as brutal and violent as American history. The story really reminded me of the healing and survival power…

The blues according to Nina Simone: my ode to Queen Nina

Apr 26, 2014

in Blues, Folk, Jazz, Piano, Protest music, R&B, Soul

What hasn’t been said or written about Queen Nina Simone? She has been called an icon, a legend, and a genius, and she is one of my favorite artists of all time and I would be remiss if I didn’t use my blogging platform to honor her music – especially her love of blues and…

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

Apr 24, 2014

in Blues, Classic soul, Funk, Keyboards, New Orleans, Piano, Soul

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…