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piano-friendly songs

03 Apr 04 - 01:49 AM (#1153364)
Subject: piano-friendly songs
From: GUEST,Paul S

Hey kids,

I have an impromptu gig in a week with a guy I've only played with a couple of times. I play mandolin and blues harmonica; he's a pianist (a really good one). We both sing. We're each bringing about 15 songs to our first practice (of probably only two).

His songs are things like: Walk on the Wild Side, Your Song, Piano Man, King of the Road, Dead Flowers.

I've only ever listened to some folk, bluegrass, and acoustic blues -- so I'm having a hard time picking out mainstream-ish songs that he might know, and that a general drinking crowd might like. Here's a list of the songs I've picked:

plastic jesus
new train - by John Prine
leave the lights on - by John Prine
sitting on top of the world - Traditional
your cheating heart - Hank Sr.
tv mama blues - Johnny Winter
done tore your playhouse down - King Biscuit Boy
god may forgive you - Iris Dement
before you accuse me - Bo Diddley
the frying pan - John Prine
mindless side of town - Fred Eaglesmith
forty days and forty nights - Muddy Waters
souvenirs - John Prine
leave the lights on - John Prine
coming into los angeles - Arlo
a fool such as i - Hank Snow


Will I be eaten alive?

Thanks,
Paul

03 Apr 04 - 02:02 AM (#1153368)
Subject: RE: piano-friendly songs
From: GUEST,.gargoyle

Determine the key for your harmonica/harmonicas>



IF truly ...he's a pianist (a really good one). He will easily transpose into the key of your mouth-harp.



Then follow HIS lead.....remember that virtually EVERYTHIING is I, IV, V.



Relax have fun.....the burden is on the keyboard player not you.



Sincerely,

Gargoyle

03 Apr 04 - 10:03 PM (#1153871)
Subject: RE: piano-friendly songs
From: GUEST,Paul S

Hey Gargle,

Thanks for your kind words. I'm reasonably comfortable with my abilities and limitations, it's my reportoire I was more concerned with. We practiced today, and he loved my selection of tunes -- and everything seemed to come together pretty well.

You're right. He's the one who has the burden of maintaining the groove; I'm pretty free to do what I want. In my last band (over ten years ago), I had NO freedom for this type of thing.

Should be a lot of fun.

Paul

03 Apr 04 - 10:19 PM (#1153883)
Subject: RE: piano-friendly songs
From: LadyJean

My father took piano lessons as a boy. His parents were both classical music lovers, and while they expected their sons to be lawyers, they wanted them to play classical music. Dad played ONeil's music of Ireland.