A rare video from the early 50’s. The King of Mambo, Dámaso Pérez Prado, playing with his band, and showing his flair in a piano solo.
Dámaso Pérez Prado was born december 11, 1916. He was a cuban bandleader, pianist, singer, organist and composer. He was born in Matanzas, Cuba and is known as the ‘King of the Mambo’. His mother was a school teacher and his father worked at a newspaper. He took classical piano lessons as a child, and later played organ in local clubs. He his career progressed, he played music all over Cuba, Mexico, and the U.S. He made a number of very popular recordings. His playing was known for its fire and expression and was backed up by his brass band. He is most known for his recording of “Mambo Jambo”, a very big hit in the U.S.
Here is a great example of the extraordinary piano playing of Oscar Peterson. The song is ‘I Can’t Get Started’ (With You); music written in 1935 by Vernon Duke, lyrics by Ira Gershwin. Peterson was one of the most accomplished jazz pianists in history. His playing was stunning, technical superior, and totally absorbing. His astounding left hand was one of the best ever witnessed since Art Tatum. He played powerfully, with lightning speed. The articulation of every note was remarkable. His complex piano playing sounded like an entire band of musicians. Peterson was an enormously talented piano player and band leader.
He was born Oscar Emmanuel Peterson (August 15, 1925 – December 23, 2007) in Montreal, Canada. As a child, he was immersed in the black culture of jazz so popular in the early 20th century. Oscar Peterson began piano lessons at the age of 5. He also played trumpet, but tuberculosis prevented him from continuing. He placed all his attention on playing piano. His father was also a pianist and was one of his first piano teachers. His sister taught him classical piano. Peterson was totally dedicated to the piano and committed to an arduous practice schedule of up to six hours a day. It was this complete focus on piano that helped him attain his exemplary piano virtuosity.
While studying classical piano, he became enthralled with jazz, ragtime music, and boogie woogie. At the age of nine, his mastery of the piano had already impressed many adult professional musicians. At the age of fourteen, after winning a national music competition, Peterson dropped out of school and began playing professionally. He played on a weekly radio show, at hotels, and music halls. His style was completely his own, with strong piano blues influences. His career took on legendary proportions as he began his prolific recording career, releasing over 200 recordings. Peterson’s remarkable piano playing earned him seven Grammy awards. In his lengthy 65 year career, he played thousands of concerts around the world, was enthusiastically received, and awarded many honors. Oscar Peterson was one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.
Here is a really nice version of the very popular song, ‘Night and Day’ by Cole Porter, performed by Alfonso Gugliucci. Porter was inspired to write the song during a trip to Morocco in 1932. It’s one of his most famous compositions. Porter performed the song in several Hollywood movies, and it has been recorded by countless artists.
Cole Albert Porter (June 9, 1891 – October 15, 1964) wrote many popular songs during his career. He was born in Peru, Indiana. Porter began his music training early. He began piano lessons when he was eight. He wrote his first piece at the age of ten.
Porter wrote 300 songs while he was at school at Yale. Upon graduating, Porter began his law studies at Harvard Law School. Realizing that he did not wish to be an attorney, he switched to studies to music. In 1915, his first Broadway song was an immediate success.
In 1917, At the start of World War I, Porter moved to Paris. He worked to distribute relief supplies for several months. There is some documentation that he may have served in the French Foreign Legion in North Africa. While there, he had a special portable piano constructed so he could carry it with him and entertain troops while on bivouac.
On October 24, 1937, the horse that Porter was riding, fell down on top of him, crushing his legs. He was left crippled and in agonizing pain. His doctors insisted on amputating at least one and possibly both his legs, but Porter refused the procedure. He later underwent more than 30 surgeries, and during the remainder of his life, was beset by pain and depression.
Cole Porter performed exclusively on a Steinway piano and owned one. His piano currently resides in the lobby of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City
This is a solo piano version of Coldplay’s hit ‘Yellow’. The transcription is based on the Classic FM ‘Songs Without Words’ album version. In 2000, Coldplay co-produced and released the song ‘Yellow’ for their debut album. The original has various instruments in addition to piano. The song did very well on the charts, reaching #4 on the British Singles Chart. This is the song that generated a lot of excitement for Coldplay and rocketed their career forward. ‘Yellow’ continues to be one of Coldplay’s most popular hit songs.
I am often asked how long it takes for a beginning piano student to be able to play a particular piece of music. This varies greatly, depending on the complexity of the piano arrangement. It’s always possible to take a song and re-arrange it to suit a more beginning student. If piano lessons include instruction on playing by ear, learning theory, and playing blues improvisation, the learning process can often be speeded up. These skills can greatly increase a student’s ability to read music.
“Just the way you are”, is a classic song by Bill Joel, one of the greatest singer, songwriters ever. His music is articulate, inspiring, and original. His piano playing and his voice go so well together.
Billy Joel was born William Martin on May 9, 1949 in The Bronx, New York and lived in Hicksville, New York.
His father, an accomplished pianist, was classically trained. Joel is a prodigious musician, pianist, singer songwriter, and classical composer. His first hit song, “Piano Man”, in 1973, launched his extraordinary career. Billy Joel, according to the RIAA, is the 6th best selling recording artist and the 3rd best selling solo musician in the U.S.
As a child, Joel began piano lessons early. His outstanding work as a songwriter and composed has earned him numerous awards and a worldwide following. His music is some of the finest composed for piano and voice. His agility at the keyboard while singing is a hallmark of his performance. Billy Joel has continued recording music and frequently goes on tour, especially with Elton John.
