How to Play Basin Street Blues on Piano
A step-by-step guide on how to play Basin Street Blues on the piano.
Introduction
Basin Street Blues is a popular song written by Spencer Williams in 1928. The song has been recorded by many artists, including Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Ella Fitzgerald. The song is named after Basin Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Basin Street Blues is a twelve-bar blues song that is written in the key of B♭. The song has a slow tempo and a driving bass line. The left hand plays a repeating pattern of eighth notes while the right hand plays the melody.
History of Basin Street Blues
Basin Street Blues is a song written by Spencer Williams in 1928. The tune was first played on clarinet by Sidney Bechet and sung by Louis Armstrong, and later became associated with Armstrong’s All-Stars band. The tune became a jazz standard and has been recorded by many artists over the years.
Basin Street Blues is named for Basin Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, which was known in the early 20th century as a center of prostitution in the city. The lyrics to the song reflect this, with the opening line “Won’t you come down to Basin Street /That’s where all the fun is found.”
The song has a 12-bar blues chord progression and is written in the key of F major. The melody is primarily improvised, with each chorus built around a catchy hook.
The Basics of the Song
“Basin Street Blues” is a song written by Spencer Williams in 1928. The best-known version was recorded by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Seven in 1929. It is a traditional twelve-bar blues in the key of B♭ with a two-line verse sung by Armstrong followed by an eight-line chorus that he also scats.
The lyrics describe a scene on Basin Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, famous for its nightlife, including the celebrated red-light district around Frenchmen Street. The first two lines of the chorus refer to the street’s namesake, Basin Street:
Down in New Orleans down on Basin Street
That’s where I want to be
The opening verse describes people and activities on the street:
everybody cooker with a jookin’ joint
jumpin’ like woah
men cookin’ up soul food sure do smell good
make yo’ mouth water…
Playing the Song
“Basin Street Blues” is a jazz and blues standard written by Spencer Williams and published in 1928. The song is named after Basin Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was first recorded by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five on May 3, 1928, and released as a single by Okeh Records the following month.
The song became one of Armstrong’s most popular compositions and an enduring standard, with over one hundred recorded versions by other artists including Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Sidney Bechet, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Mills Brothers, Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima (with Keely Smith), Lawrence Welk (with Norma Zimmer), Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, and Willie Nelson.
To play “Basin Street Blues” on piano, start by learning the basic melody of the song. Then, add in some simple left-hand chords to accompany the melody. You can also improvise your own embellishments to the melody as you play. When you’re ready, add in some right-hand embellishments to further enhance your performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Basin Street Blues is a great song to play on the piano. It has a simple melody that is easy to follow, and it is a great way to practice your blues piano skills.
