New Orleans Piano Styles – The Groove & Feel

Welcome to this deep dive into the unique piano style of New Orleans! In this lesson, we explore the rhythmic and harmonic characteristics that define New Orleans piano playing, with insights from Jon Cleary.

New Orleans is home to a rich musical heritage, and the piano plays a central role in its blues, funk, and R&B traditions. We’ll examine the percussive, rolling left-hand grooves, the influence of Caribbean rhythms, and the improvisational approach that makes this style so distinctive.

The Influence of New Orleans on Piano Styles

New Orleans piano is deeply rooted in blues and jazz but incorporates elements of classical, Caribbean, and R&B traditions. The city’s musical melting pot has given rise to pianists such as Professor Longhair, James Booker, Dr. John, and Huey "Piano" Smith, all of whom developed unique approaches to rhythm, groove, and improvisation.

The feel of New Orleans piano is often described as both "loose" and "tight" at the same time—relaxed yet grooving hard. This balance comes from an elastic sense of time, where phrases can be stretched or rushed to build tension and excitement.

Rolling Piano & Percussive Playing

One key characteristic of New Orleans piano is the rolling right-hand technique, often likened to a mandolin tremolo. This creates a continuous, fluid motion that drives the rhythm forward. The left hand, meanwhile, takes on a strong percussive role, emulating a bass player and drummer combined.

Rather than simply playing chords, New Orleans pianists use syncopated rhythms, ghost notes, and dynamic variation to create a more textured, driving groove. The left hand frequently plays tenths, a stretch that adds richness and harmonic depth to the bass lines.

Soloing in New Orleans Piano

Improvisation is a cornerstone of New Orleans piano. Unlike classical playing, which follows sheet music, New Orleans pianists create spontaneous, expressive solos. A well-constructed solo should tell a story—starting with simple motifs, developing tension, and building to a climax before resolving.

One effective approach is to use the melody as a foundation. By adding embellishments and rhythmic variations, a pianist can maintain the essence of a tune while exploring different harmonic and textural possibilities.

The Role of Caribbean Influence

New Orleans music has a strong connection to Caribbean rhythms, particularly from Cuba and Haiti. Syncopation plays a key role in this style, with bass lines and left-hand figures often emphasizing off-beats to create a "lilt" or danceable groove. This rhythmic interplay is a defining feature of funk and second-line drumming, both of which heavily influence New Orleans piano.

Jelly Roll Morton famously referred to this as the "Spanish tinge," highlighting the impact of Afro-Caribbean rhythms on early jazz and blues. By incorporating elements like the clave pattern into left-hand rhythms, pianists can infuse their playing with an infectious swing.

Practice Tips

1. Work on Rolling Patterns – Use a relaxed wrist and focus on evenness when playing rolling right-hand figures. Start slow and gradually increase speed.

2. Develop a Strong Left Hand – Practice playing bass lines and tenths separately before integrating them into full voicings. Rolling tenths can help maintain fluidity.

3. Imitate a Drummer – Think of the piano as a percussion instrument. Experiment with different accents and ghost notes to add rhythmic interest.

4. Play with Elastic Timing – Work on stretching and pulling back phrases to create a more dynamic and expressive groove.

5. Explore Caribbean Rhythms – Listen to Cuban and Haitian music, focusing on how syncopation drives the rhythm. Try incorporating these patterns into blues and funk progressions.

New Orleans piano is all about groove, feel, and rhythmic creativity. By incorporating these techniques into your playing, you’ll develop a richer and more authentic sound. Keep practicing, and enjoy exploring this dynamic and expressive style!