Back by popular demand… bands often claim that, but the genuine love shown for Chas & Dave is truly remarkable. Having kicked off a new UK tour last week in Cambridge (28 February), the duo are travelling the length and breadth of the UK this month. To mark the occasion Chas has put together a Playlist of his ten favourite piano players to tinkle your ivories.
Fats Domino – Swanee River Boogie
“Fats was one of the first to cross Rhythm & Blues with Rock’n’Roll. Had his first hit in 1949, The Fat Man and is still around today.”
Jerry Lee Lewis – Mean Woman Blues
“Finest example of pure rock’n’roll piano playing. Produced by Jack Clement (a Chas & Dave fan) at Sun Studio, Memphis. 1957.”
Fats Waller – Honeysuckle Rose
“Fine ‘stride’ style. Would have a gallon of whisky under the piano at all times. Never known him to make a mistake.”
Winnie Atwell – Black & White Rag
Popular in the 50’s I remember my mum learning this one & coming second when she played it in a talent competition at the local cinema.
Daisy Hodges – Yes Sir That’s My Baby
“Here’s my mum playing piano and singing with me, Dave and Micky Burt on drums.”
NB Fats Domino & Daisy Hodges currently unavailable
Albert Ammons – Roses Of Picardy
“His main boogie left hand I called a Jerry Lee left hand until I heard him do it. Jerry Lee came along after Albert Ammons. But Ammons changes left hand mid-stream as he pleases. Clever man.”
Jelly Roll Morton – Wolverine Blues
“Played in jazz keys mainly. E flat, B flat, F – horn players favourite keys. I play mainly in C, F or G, like Jerry Lee and Albert Ammons who Jerry Lee must have got his left hand from, although he don’t admit it!”
Alan Toussaint – Mother In Law
“Ernie K Doe sang this. Alan Tousaint played on loads of New Orleans stuff. I like this easy going solo.”
Bee Bumble – Nut Rocker
Good ‘in your face’ rock’n’roll piano instrumental. Love classics rocked up.”
Chas Hodges – Hungarian Rhapsody
“Done one myself. Okay, here it is. This is a good live piece. Goes down great.”
For more, including the full tour dates, head to Chasndave.net.
