Blues & Funk Masterclass with Jon Cleary

A live stream piano masterclass with Grammy-winning blues and funk musician Jon Cleary. In this special session, Jon delves into the rich tapestry of New Orleans piano styles, offering insights, techniques, and demonstrations that showcase the diversity and depth of this unique style of music.

This seminar is a rare opportunity to learn from a master of New Orleans piano. Whether you’re looking to expand your blues piano vocabulary, understand the nuances of New Orleans piano styles, or simply enjoy the rich sounds of New Orleans piano music, this masterclass offers valuable insights and inspiration for all levels of students.

What Is Gut Bucket Blues?

We dive into the concept of ‘gut bucket blues’; a term referenced by legendary New Orleans pianist Dr. John. We unravel the mysteries behind the term, exploring the raw and emotional depth of blues music that emanates from the heart of New Orleans. We learn about the establishments where this music thrived and how it reflects the city’s tumultuous history.

Gut Bucket Blues Technique

We explore the techniques that define gut bucket blues, from the strong root and five in the left hand to the dissonant minor thirds in the right hand, Jon demonstrates how these elements combine to create the funky, dirty, and sexy sounds characteristic of New Orleans music.

“Burnt Mouth Boogie” Harmonic Analysis

Jon breaks down the opening of “Burnt Mouth Boogie,” offering a step-by-step guide to playing the intro to this boogie-woogie piano recording. This segment will shatter illusions of complexity, showing how simplicity and speed can come together to create something truly captivating.

The Underlying Groove Of Second Line Parades

Delve into the grooves that underpin second line parades; a quintessential New Orleans tradition. Jon explains the syncopated rhythms and bass drum patterns that inspire hundreds to dance in the streets of New Orleans during festival season.

Chord Substitutions & Musical Storytelling

Learn how to tell a story when playing the blues using chord substitutions to add depth and intrigue to your playing. Jon demonstrates how to evolve from basic blues to more sophisticated arrangements, offering practical examples and tips for enhancing your musical narratives.

Boogie Woogie Performance & Demonstrations

The session starts and finishes with a boogie-woogie piano performance. Throughout this masterclass, Jon answers questions sent in by the PianoGroove students and provides personalised insights, advice and recommendations.

This masterclass is not just a lesson in blues piano playing; it’s a journey through the heart of New Orleans music, guided by one of its most celebrated practitioners.