Edition: Paperback Book & Online Audio, Piano

Description: 48 Pages

Volume 1 - In Depth Sessions With A Master Musician - Mac "Dr. John" Rebennack, a veritable encyclopedia of music and lore, immerses you in all aspects of New Orleans boogie and blues piano. This intimate session with the legendary "Night Tripper" is like taking a private lesson with a blues master. The information he imparts will help you build a solid repertoire and acquire a wealth of essential licks, runs, turnarounds, rhythms and techniques. Even non-players will love this guided tour of a great American tradition.

Mac grounds you in basic blues piano style with Albert Ammons' lively "Texas Boogie," breaking down and isolating a number of important bass lines to work against funky right hand riffs. Rollicking renditions of traditional 12-bar blues "Cow Cow Boogie," "Frankie And Johnny" and "C.C. Rider" follow, complete with all the embellishments. 8-bar patterns for "How Long" and the French Quarter classic "Tipitina" are explored, enhanced with calypso, Latin and Afro-Caribbean rhythms.

Professor Longhair's style, with its unique turnarounds and rhythmic set-ups, inspired many great players, including Allen Toussaint and Dr. John himself. Mac's exciting ground level view of Professor Longhair's innovations -- plus his personal stories about playing and recording with him -- gives a concrete fix on his powerful music. You'll apply his authentic techniques to "Whirlaway" and "Big Chief."