Category Archives: The History Blues Pianos

Father of the Blues

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William Christopher Handy, also known as the “Father of the Blues,” was a renowned African American composer, musician, and bandleader who played a significant role in the development of the blues genre. His contributions to the blues music industry are immeasurable, and he is often credited with bringing this genre of music to the mainstream. In this article, we will explore Handy’s life, his musical career, and his influence on the blues genre.

Early Life and Career

William Christopher Handy was born on November 16, 1873, in Florence, Alabama, to Elizabeth Brewer and Charles Barnard Handy. He was the eldest of six children, and his parents were both former slaves. Handy’s father was a preacher, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Growing up in a deeply religious household, Handy was exposed to gospel music at an early age. He started playing the cornet when he was 12 years old, and he soon joined a local band.

In 1893, Handy left home to pursue his music career. He traveled to Chicago, where he joined a band led by Mahara’s Minstrels. The band traveled across the United States, performing at various venues. Handy then moved to St. Louis, where he joined the Knights of Pythias, an African American fraternal organization. He formed his own band, the Handy’s Orchestra, and they performed at various events, including balls and dances.

Handy’s Musical Career

In 1903, Handy moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he became the bandmaster of the Knights of Pythias. He continued to play in various bands, and he also composed music. His first published composition, “Mr. Crump,” was a march dedicated to Edward Crump, a Memphis political boss. The march became a hit and was played at many events.

Handy continued to compose music, and he soon turned his attention to the blues. He was fascinated by the music of African Americans, who had migrated from the rural South to the urban areas in search of work. Handy was particularly interested in the “country blues,” which were sung by African Americans in the Mississippi Delta. He began incorporating elements of the blues into his compositions, and he soon became known as the “Father of the Blues.”

In 1912, Handy published “Memphis Blues,” which was the first blues song to be published. The song was a hit and was recorded by various artists. The Memphis Blues became the foundation of the blues genre, and it inspired many musicians to write their own blues songs.

In 1914, Handy published “St. Louis Blues,” which became his most famous composition. The song was a hit, and it was recorded by many artists, including Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, and W.C. Handy himself. The St. Louis Blues became a standard in the blues genre, and it is still played today.

Handy’s Influence on the Blues Genre

William Christopher Handy’s contributions to the blues genre were immeasurable. He was the first person to notate and publish blues music, which helped to bring this genre to the mainstream. He was also the first person to incorporate elements of the blues into his compositions, which helped to create a new style of music.

Handy’s compositions were also influential in the development of jazz music. His use of syncopation and improvisation, which were common in blues music, helped to create a new style of jazz music. Handy’s compositions were also played by many jazz musicians, who used them as a foundation for their own compositions.

Famous Blues Piano Players

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Blues music has a rich history that is deeply rooted in African American culture. It emerged in the Deep South during the late 19th century and has since become one of the most influential genres in American music. Blues piano is an integral part of this genre, with pianists adding their unique touch to this style of music. In this article, we will explore the lives and music of some of the most famous blues piano players of all time.

The Best Live video of Otis Spann – Blues Piano Legend

W.C. Handy
William Christopher Handy, also known as the “Father of the Blues,” was a composer and musician who played a significant role in the development of the blues genre. Born in Alabama in 1873, Handy was the son of a preacher and grew up surrounded by music. He became a skilled cornet player and went on to compose many blues standards, including “St. Louis Blues” and “Beale Street Blues.” Although not primarily a pianist, Handy’s compositions have become iconic in the blues world and his influence on the genre is undeniable.

Pinetop Smith
Pinetop Smith was an American blues pianist who is credited with creating the boogie-woogie style of piano playing. Born in Alabama in 1904, Smith began playing piano in his teens and was soon playing in clubs across the country. His most famous song, “Pinetop’s Boogie Woogie,” was recorded in 1928 and became a hit. Smith’s unique style of playing has since been adopted by countless blues pianists, and he is considered one of the pioneers of the boogie-woogie style.

Roosevelt Sykes
Roosevelt Sykes was an American blues pianist and singer who was known for his powerful voice and energetic piano playing. Born in Arkansas in 1906, Sykes began playing piano as a child and was soon performing in local clubs. He went on to record numerous albums and became a popular figure in the blues world. Sykes’ unique style of playing blended elements of boogie-woogie, swing, and blues, and his music continues to inspire musicians today.

Memphis Slim
Memphis Slim, born John Len Chatman in 1915, was an American blues pianist, singer, and songwriter. He began playing piano as a child and went on to perform with some of the most influential blues musicians of the time. Slim was known for his powerful voice and his ability to blend elements of jazz, blues, and boogie-woogie into his music. He recorded numerous albums over the course of his career and became one of the most respected blues pianists of his generation.

Otis Spann
Otis Spann was an American blues pianist who is best known for his work with the Muddy Waters Band. Born in Mississippi in 1930, Spann began playing piano at a young age and was soon performing in local clubs. He moved to Chicago in the 1950s and began playing with the Muddy Waters Band, where he became known for his powerful and emotional playing. Spann’s work with the band helped to define the Chicago blues sound and his influence can be heard in the music of countless blues pianists today.

Ray Charles
Ray Charles, born Ray Charles Robinson in 1930, was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He began playing piano at a young age and went on to record numerous albums over the course of his career. Charles’ music blended elements of jazz, blues, and gospel, and his powerful voice and unique style of playing made him one of the most respected musicians of his generation.

How to start playing blues on the piano

Blues music is an incredibly expressive genre that has a unique sound and feel. Playing blues on the piano can be a great way to express yourself musically and explore the nuances of this genre. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some tips and techniques for getting started with playing blues on the piano.

Music Sheet on Black Piano

Learn the Blues Scale
The first step to playing blues on the piano is to learn the blues scale. The blues scale is a six-note scale that is used extensively in blues music. It consists of the notes A, C, D, Eb, E, and G, and is sometimes referred to as the “pentatonic scale with the added flat fifth”. You can start by practicing this scale in different keys, so that you can become familiar with it and develop the muscle memory required to play it easily.

Master the 12-Bar Blues Progression
The 12-bar blues progression is the foundation of most blues songs. It is a simple chord progression that consists of three chords, usually the I, IV, and V chords of a major scale. In the key of C, for example, the chords would be C, F, and G. Learning this progression is crucial for playing blues on the piano, as it provides the basic framework for the melody and improvisation.

Practice Your Chords and Rhythm
Once you’ve learned the 12-bar blues progression, the next step is to practice your chords and rhythm. The chords in the 12-bar blues progression are typically played in a particular rhythm, which is known as the “shuffle rhythm”. The shuffle rhythm is a syncopated rhythm that is created by playing the first and third beats of each bar as a single chord, and the second beat as a quick, percussive note. You can practice this rhythm by playing along with recordings of blues music or using a metronome.

Experiment with Improvisation
Improvisation is an essential aspect of blues music, and it can be a lot of fun to experiment with different improvisational techniques on the piano. One way to start is by using the blues scale to improvise melodies over the 12-bar blues progression. You can also experiment with different rhythms, phrasing, and dynamics to create a unique and expressive sound.

Listen to Blues Music
One of the best ways to learn how to play blues on the piano is to listen to blues music. This will help you develop an ear for the style, and you can learn a lot from listening to the way that different pianists approach playing blues. Some notable blues pianists to listen to include Otis Spann, Memphis Slim, and Pinetop Perkins.

Learn to Play with Feeling
Playing blues on the piano is not just about playing the right notes – it’s also about playing with feeling. Blues music is all about expressing emotions, and you can make your playing more expressive by focusing on the feeling behind the music. This might involve playing with more dynamics, using rubato to create a more expressive phrasing, or simply letting yourself get lost in the music.

Have Fun and Be Creative
Finally, it’s important to remember that playing blues on the piano should be fun and creative. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques, and try to bring your own unique style to the music. Whether you’re playing alone or with other musicians, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience and let your creativity flow.

In conclusion, playing blues on the piano can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By learning the blues scale, mastering the 12-bar blues progression, practicing your chords and rhythm, experimenting with improvisation, listening to blues music, learning to play with feeling, and having fun and being creative, you can develop your skills.

What is the 12-bar blues in C

The 12-bar blues is a musical form that has been a staple of American music for over a century. It has been used in a variety of genres, including blues, rock, jazz, and country music. The 12-bar blues is built around a specific chord progression that is often played in the key of C.

Piano Keyboard in Close Up Photography

The 12-bar blues in C is a basic structure that consists of three chords: C7, F7, and G7. The C7 chord is the I chord, the F7 chord is the IV chord, and the G7 chord is the V chord. The structure of the 12-bar blues in C is as follows:

I IV I I
IV IV I I
V IV I V

The first line consists of four bars of the I chord, followed by two bars of the IV chord, and two more bars of the I chord. The second line repeats the same pattern, with two bars of the IV chord followed by two bars of the I chord. The third line consists of two bars of the V chord, two bars of the IV chord, and two more bars of the I chord. This brings us back to the beginning of the progression, and the cycle starts again.

One of the defining characteristics of the 12-bar blues is the use of the dominant 7th chord. The dominant 7th chord is a four-note chord that adds a flattened 7th note to the basic triad. In the key of C, the C7 chord is made up of the notes C, E, G, and Bb. The F7 chord is made up of the notes F, A, C, and Eb, while the G7 chord is made up of the notes G, B, D, and F.

The 12-bar blues in C is a very simple chord progression, but it can be used to create a wide range of musical styles and emotions. One of the reasons that it has been so popular over the years is its flexibility. The basic structure of the 12-bar blues can be adapted to fit different musical styles, tempos, and moods.

For example, the tempo of the 12-bar blues can be slowed down or sped up, depending on the desired mood. A slow blues in C might have a tempo of around 60-80 beats per minute, while a faster blues might have a tempo of 120-150 beats per minute. The rhythm of the chords can also be changed, with different strumming or picking patterns used to create different effects.

Another way that the 12-bar blues can be adapted is by adding variations to the basic structure. Musicians might add extra chords, such as the IV7 or the VI7 chord, to create more complex harmonic textures. They might also add extra bars to the progression, such as a turnaround at the end of each cycle. A turnaround is a short chord progression that leads back to the beginning of the 12-bar blues.

The 12-bar blues in C can also be adapted to different musical genres. For example, a blues rock band might use power chords instead of the dominant 7th chords, to create a more aggressive sound. A jazz musician might add more complex chords, such as the diminished or augmented chords, to create a more sophisticated harmonic palette.

In addition to the chord progression, the 12-bar blues is also defined by its lyrics and vocal style. Blues lyrics often deal with themes of loss, heartbreak, and hardship. They might use metaphors and imagery to convey these emotions, such as “I woke up this morning, feelin’ round for my shoes” or “I got a mean old woman, she won’t let me be.” Blues singers often use.

How to practice blues on the piano

Blues is a genre of music that originated in the African-American communities of the southern United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a style of music that is characterized by its distinct sound, which is created through the use of specific chord progressions, rhythms, and melodies.

Fingers on Piano Keyboard

If you are interested in practicing blues on the piano, there are a number of different techniques and strategies that you can use to improve your skills and develop your understanding of this rich and rewarding genre of music.

Here are some tips for practicing blues on the piano:

Learn the blues scale: The blues scale is a specific set of notes that is commonly used in blues music. It consists of the following notes: C, Eb, F, Gb, G, and Bb. Learning this scale and its variations will help you to create the unique sound and feeling of blues music.

Practice playing the 12-bar blues progression: The 12-bar blues progression is a standard chord progression that is used in many blues songs. It consists of three four-bar phrases, with each phrase typically consisting of a I-IV-V chord progression. Learning this progression will help you to understand the structure of blues music and develop your ability to improvise.

Listen to recordings of blues music: Listening to recordings of blues music is a great way to get a sense of the style, feel, and sound of blues music. Pay attention to the rhythms, melodies, and chord progressions used in the music, and try to emulate these elements in your own playing.

Practice playing with a metronome: Playing with a metronome is a great way to improve your sense of rhythm and timing. Start by playing simple blues rhythms and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.

Work on your left hand technique: In blues music, the left hand often plays a crucial role in establishing the rhythm and groove of the music. Work on developing your left hand technique by practicing chord progressions and rhythms that emphasize the left hand.

Improvise: Improvisation is an important part of blues music, and is a skill that can be developed through practice. Start by practicing simple blues melodies and gradually add more complex variations and improvisations as you become more comfortable.

Experiment with different chord voicings: Chord voicings are the different ways in which chords can be played on the piano. Experimenting with different voicings can help you to create unique and interesting sounds in your playing.

Play with other musicians: Playing with other musicians is a great way to develop your skills and get a sense of the collaborative nature of blues music. Look for opportunities to jam with other musicians or join a local blues band.

Record and listen to yourself: Recording yourself playing can be a great way to identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time. Listen back to your recordings and take notes on areas where you could improve.

Practice regularly: Like any skill, playing blues on the piano requires regular practice in order to improve. Try to set aside a regular practice schedule and stick to it, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.

In summary, practicing blues on the piano requires a combination of technical skill, improvisation, and a deep understanding of the unique sound and feel of the genre. By focusing on developing your technique, listening to recordings, practicing with a metronome, improvising, experimenting with chord voicings, playing with other musicians, recording and listening to yourself, and practicing regularly, you can improve your skills and develop your understanding of this rich and rewarding genre of music.