Conversations 2: The New Orleans Influence

Photo Credit: nomrf.org

The text and IG chat conversations, continued.

R: [AJ & CPO link]

J:This hymn is hilarious by the way. It's such a rip-off of Randy Newman lol

R: ?

J: The first one you sent.

R:Oh how I love Jesus? Never heard of Randy Newman.

J: I'm sure you have: https://youtu.be/3m8x8fDL01o

R: Still lost how it’s a rip-off? Other than that it uses the similar child’s piano?

J: Maybe rip-off is too strong, the piano playing is very similar to me, not the vocals so much.

H: Got it. That’s a really traditional southern music style - New Orleans particularly. So while I can definitely hear the similarity, I generally associate more with early Harry Connick Jr and similar Louisiana piano players. Especially when you pull in the vocals.

J: I'm not as familiar with Harry Connick Jr, but I can definitely imagine it.

R: John Cleary  - History of New Orleans Piano Music

J: "And then we got." That's fascinating! I love how you can hear the progession from ragtime into more jazz and modern. (Ragtime is my favorite style of piano, and I've actually composed a few rags)

R: Geek out: New Orleans Blues Piano and Songwriting Techniques with John Cleary
And a little Dr John and another version of Oh How I Love Jesus by Rev. James Moore. But I'll stop now. No really. Got find your own if you want more.

YouTube Playlist: Conversations #2