"The world has lost a great guitarist, a great songwriter, and certainly I and many others that were close to Dickey have lost a very good friend. But the good news is that he has left us an amazing, enduring, and awesome legacy of music. And that's something we'll be celebrating for a long, long time." ... Chuck Leavell Learn how to play rock and blues piano from one of rock’s greatest. Chuck Leavell, legendary keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, The Allman Bros, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and more. Join Now and SAVE!!! …
Rock Legends
Tina Turner RIP- November 26, 1939 – May 24, 2023
Thank you, Charlie, and rest in peace
“We are all shocked and devastated to lose Charlie. I feel broken. There has been no man finer, more elegant and more beautiful to walk the Earth than Charlie Watts. All class. As a musician, his timing and beat were impeccable, his touch delicate yet so powerful. His sense of what and what not to play was unsurpassed. It has been the honor of my life to have played with him over the last 40 years, and to have called him a friend. My heart goes out to his beautiful family. My sincere thanks to all that have sent condolences to me. Far too many for me to answer individually, but you know who you are.” Chuck Leavell It is with a heavy heart and deepest sorrow that IROCKU acknowledges the death of Rolling Stones’ drummer, Charlie Watts, arguably the greatest drummer in rock and roll …
Chuck Leavell Remembers Capricorn Studios
Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones musician Chuck Leavell remembers Capricorn Studios / 50 years later after its inception. The Rolling Stones' Chuck Leavell takes you inside. …
[Read more...] about Chuck Leavell Remembers Capricorn Studios
Allman Brothers 50th Anniversary and Tribute Show
On March 10, former members of the Allman Brothers Band will be reuniting at New York’s Madison Garden to pay tribute to their lost brothers and to celebrate 50 years of ABB music. Brothers lost from the original lineup are- guitarist Duane Allman, keyboardist and vocals Gregg Allman, drummer Butch Trucks, bassist Berry Oakley, and brothers lost from subsequent lineups - bassists Lamar Williams and Allen Woody, and guitarist Dan Toler. The tribute band will include members from their most recent lineup - guitarists Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks, bassist Oteil Burbridge, and original band member and drummer Jaimoe Johanson. They will be joined by pianist Chuck Leavell, drummer Duane Trucks, and organist Reese Wynans. The Allman Brothers played their first show in 1969 and played …
[Read more...] about Allman Brothers 50th Anniversary and Tribute Show
Rare Nicky Hopkins video laying down tracks for “Sympathy for the Devil”
IROCKU’s featured lesson is “Sympathy for the Devil” by the Rolling Stones. Here is an incredibly rare clip of Nicky Hopkins recording the original piano track on “Sympathy for the Devil”. "Sympathy for the Devil" Piano Lesson Nicky Hopkins is hands-down one of the most influential pianists in rock history. He was the Thomas Edison of rock piano generating endless innovations in rock piano style and technique. The rhythm on “Sympathy for the Devil” is one of his most recognized and the original recording was remarkably captured in this 1968 video. This video provides a one minute window into rock history. Loop it until the rhythm is firmly ingrained in your mind. Hopkin’s rhythm is solid, strong, and driving yet his wrists are relaxed and bounce lightly on the keys while each finger …
[Read more...] about Rare Nicky Hopkins video laying down tracks for “Sympathy for the Devil”
Aretha Franklin and Billy Preston – “O Holy Night”
Here's a musical treasure from Aretha Franklin and Billy Preston to help bring in the holiday. A moment of magic from two of America's greatest musical prodigies. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Chuck and the irocku team. Learn how to play rock and blues piano from one of rock’s greatest. Chuck Leavell, legendary keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, The Allman Bros, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and more. Join Now and SAVE!!! …
[Read more...] about Aretha Franklin and Billy Preston – “O Holy Night”
A tale of two Capricorn Studios piano players
In the spirit of the Capricorn studio revival this month we are featuring two Capricorn recordings and the piano players behind these great recordings. "Jessica" was recorded at Capricorn Studios in Macon, Georgia and released in 1973. “Jessica” has proven to be one of Capricorn’s pivotal recordings. The piano solo on "Jessica" was performed by Chuck Leavell; a piano solo that pioneered improvisational rock piano. "Jessica" is this week's featured irocku piano lesson. Click below for the piano lesson and sheet music: "Jessica" piano lesson Here is another lesser known tune recorded at Capricorn Studios. “Shanty” was recorded by Jonathan Edwards in 1971 and released on Edwards’ debut album, Jonathan Edwards which included his gold record single, “Sunshine”, one of the Vietnam era’s …
[Read more...] about A tale of two Capricorn Studios piano players
“She’s Not There” Piano Lesson – The Zombies
The current lesson is "She's Not There" by The Zombies. Click below for the piano lesson and sheet music. "She's Not There" piano lesson Of all the lessons in irocku's catalogue, “She’s Not There” is perhaps the most representative of unadulterated rock piano. As songwriter Rod Argent explains, he approached this musical composition beginning with the bass line; inspired by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys who often expanded a song around the bass line. The bass line in the introduction and verse is a driving straight eighth-note pattern that covers the chord changes and provides a solid foundation for the syncopated melody line which is harmonized using thirds, sixths, and octaves. In the chorus, the bass line shifts to a syncopated pattern played under an equally syncopated melody …
[Read more...] about “She’s Not There” Piano Lesson – The Zombies
Rest in Peace “Mac”(aka Dr. John)
I met “Mac” ( aka Dr John) in 2010 after one of his gigs at SUNY Purchase, NY. During the intermission Mac’s drummer, Roscoe (Herman Ernest III) was meandering through the crowd striking up conversations with whoever was within his reach. Roscoe was a charming guy and a fireball of charisma. Roscoe asked if my wife and I were enjoying the show and then asked if I was a musician. “Not really, but I am teaching myself how to play rock piano”… when my wife chimed in with “and he’s writing a book about it”. Well, that was all Roscoe needed to hear. Roscoe dragged us back stage to meet with Mac. In a language that I barely understood Mac said “ guy (that was me!) dat’s a great idea. Lezz do dis ding”. And that was how IROCKU got started. That was also one of the last shows that Roscoe performed …
Professor Longhair Piano Lesson – “Hey Now Baby”
The IROCKU feature lesson is "Hey Now Baby" by Professor Longhair. Click below for the lesson and sheet music. "Hey Now Baby" piano lesson Recorded sometime between 1949-1953, “Hey Now Baby” was eventually released in 1972 on the album, 'New Orleans Piano' by Professor Longhair. Another version of the song was released earlier by The Meters in 1971 under the name “Cabbage Alley” with Art Neville taking writer’s credit. We’re not sure why! The songs are virtually identical. Nevertheless it is an awesome version. When the Meters or the Nevilles perform the song live now, they do give credit to Professor Longhair. Professor Longhair’s playing is a cornerstone of rock piano. If you want to play Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, or Little Richard, learn how to play the techniques of …
[Read more...] about Professor Longhair Piano Lesson – “Hey Now Baby”