New Orleans Piano Style – Connective Tissue & Groove

Welcome to this deep dive into the nuances of New Orleans piano playing, focusing on the "connective tissue" that links chords, passages, and musical phrases. This lesson explores techniques used by legends such as Dr. John, James Booker, and Allen Toussaint to create a distinctive, soulful, and rhythmically rich sound.

The Importance of Connective Tissue in Music

One of the key elements that give New Orleans piano its distinct character is how chords are connected. This "connective tissue" is what makes a piece of music flow smoothly and tells a compelling story. Just as a writer links plot points, a pianist uses passing chords, chromatic movement, and subtle embellishments to guide the listener from one harmonic point to the next.

We explore the song Georgia on My Mind as a case study for these transitions, demonstrating how a simple progression can be transformed into something harmonically rich. Instead of jumping from C to E7 abruptly, we incorporate B-7 as a passing chord, introducing tension and release for a more expressive sound.

Using Suspensions & Passing Chords

Suspended chords (sus chords) are essential in jazz and blues. They create a sense of anticipation before resolving into a more stable harmony. In New Orleans piano, the use of dominant seventh suspensions and chromatic passing tones adds depth and intrigue to even the simplest chord progressions.

For instance, instead of playing a straight E7, we might first play an F7 and let it resolve downward—a trick that introduces unexpected movement and keeps the listener engaged.

Developing a Groove: Left-Hand Techniques

New Orleans piano is known for its deep groove, often achieved through left-hand patterns that mimic bass and drum rhythms. By using a mix of stride, rolling triplets, and octave jumps, pianists can emulate a full rhythm section.

Some common left-hand techniques include:

• Rolling 10ths – A hallmark of James Booker’s style, creating a fuller harmonic texture.
• Boogie & Funk Patterns – Often incorporating syncopation to add energy.
• Glissandos & Roughs – Used sparingly for dramatic effect, these sweeping gestures create excitement and movement in a solo performance.

Applying These Techniques to a Funk Context

We also explore how to translate these concepts into funk playing. Using Mercy Mercy Mercy as an example, we experiment with shuffle rhythms, triplet phrasing, and altered harmonies to make the tune groove harder.

Similarly, Right Place, Wrong Time by Dr. John showcases how rhythmic swagger and grit can be achieved through articulation, note placement, and left-hand syncopation.

Practice Tips

1. Think Like a Storyteller – Approach chord transitions as a narrative, leading the listener smoothly from one moment to the next.
2. Experiment with Suspended Chords – Try replacing dominant chords with their sus4 variations and resolving them to create harmonic tension.
3. Lock In Your Left-Hand Groove – Play along with a metronome or drum loop to internalize New Orleans syncopation.
4. Use Passing Chords Creatively – Instead of moving directly from one chord to another, insert ii-V movements or chromatic approaches.
5. Develop Your Dynamic Range – Alternate between soft, expressive phrasing and powerful, percussive attacks to keep your playing engaging.

By incorporating these ideas into your practice, you’ll start to develop the fluidity, groove, and character that define New Orleans piano playing. Keep listening, experimenting, and letting the music guide your hands.