Boogie-woogie piano has a happy, upbeat feel even if the song expresses the deepest blues. That’s why a little boogie-woogie was just right to lift our spirits on today’s cold, gray early spring day. One of the greatest musical events of spring is Mr. B’s piano festival which takes place this April 13th and 14th at The Ark. Mr. B has invited the stalwart king of Detroit boogie, Bob Seeley and two out-of town pianists, Bruce Katz and Fred Kaplan to jam and delight at The Ark. Katz is no stranger to Ann Arbor listeners – one of his best CDs was recorded live at the legendary Firefly Club in Ann Arbor.
Mr. B’s surprise for 2013 is Fred Kaplan from Los Angeles. West coast jump blues fans may recall the energy of the Hollywood Fats Band. Much of that energy came from Fred Kaplan’s insistent blues and boogie beat. Kaplan’s newest CD is Hold My Mule, a collection of one-take live performances recorded over two years featuring Fred on piano and greasy old-school Hammond B-3 organ. Hold My Mule
was a perfect Monday morning premiere on 89.1 Jazz today. For good measure we featured two tunes from a great lady of blues and boogie piano, Katie Webster for Women’s History Month. Thanks for listening. We hope the music brightened your Monday morning.
