Pianoteq Blues (Tutorial)

This is a spontaneous improvisation using Pianoteq 3.0 free-standing, true modeling software piano. Aside from the very nice sounds and "tweakability" of Pianoteq, the software has a built-in MIDI recorder to capture spur of the moment improvisations such as this. I originally played this as a test of the Pianoteq MIDI recording capabilities, however after listening to the playback, I decided to post this as a performance/tutorial. A tip of the hat to Jazz2511 who is a master at creating these tutorials. I have taken his advice and guidance on how to use the software program Sonar to allow the notation to read correctly (or fairly close).

MIDI file and PDF Notation of this piece are available on my website at:

Tech Notes:
I am using BB Flashback Pro for the screen capture and annotation. The MIDI keyboard capture is from RealBand and the Notation window capture is from PowerTracks Pro, both available from PGMusic. Roland FP-4 keyboard acting as a MIDI controller for Pianoteq 3.0 software.

[Lotlearn]

Thanks for the comment. Glad that you already understand some of the concepts presented. Chord progression is descending chromatic dominant 7th chords (some altered) starting from Bb7 then A7, Ab7, G7(alt), Gb7(13), F7 then to a B7(13) for the turn-around. Improv is based on Bb blues scale and chord tones of the above-named chord progression.
Hope that helps!
- L2L

[greob]

My comment might sound harsh or even rude, so I should add: great performance, not just nice. Definitely a good example for a lot of students. :-)

[Lotlearn]

Thanks Paul, I appreciate your comment.

[israelsprince]

That was just plain cool. I had to watch it a few more times 'cause it was so cool. Gotta learn this one.

[Lotlearn]

@MusicMinder This performance was all played in real-time. Thanks for your comment. ;-)

[Lotlearn]

I think this is probably easier for classically trained pianists (which I am not) who learn hand independence through classical pieces.

The way I approach it, is start slowly, using root only in left hand and play one note per chord while trying simple improv in the right hand. Slowly increase notes played in left hand (2 notes per chord) and so on. Slow and steady builds consistency.

[florbo]

Great work Roger, the piano sound and the score notation are very nice, thanks a lot! :)

[alejandrovasconez]

thanks for sharing the music sheet luck continues

[claitontesch]

I will learn a lot from this stuff.

[Lotlearn]

@djeikop Yep. Thanks for your comment, it is appreciated.

[Lotlearn]

I used Powertracks Pro from PGMusic to create the notation and then Sonar "fit to improvisation" setting to get it to fit the measures properly.

[jazz]

Great to see this very informative tutorial Roger. The playing is superb. Now all we have to do is to convince Chick/Herbie to do the same (I wish)!
Doug

[girlyvoice]

Its strange looking at all those quintuplets and septuplets and not perceiving those divisions. I'd say it takes a while get the hang of playing those.

[dmana]

@Lot2learn That piano sounds so cute. Let me ask you one question... Does it sounds to you exactly like the real thing? Not 99%, I mean 100%?

[paulwwells]

Roger - how did you get the score to come out cleanly? I have tried midi to stave software and been disappointed with the results mainly because even if you play in time it attaches to much significance to when you release each key and assigns a ridiculously complex duration to notes (eg if you play what you think is a minim is will tie a crotchet to a triple dotted quaver)

[Lotlearn]

@MusicMinder As you can hear, there is no crisp articulation between the notes. I am not using "classical" technique. I am keeping my fingers very loose throughout those passages and playing very lightly. This is a fully weighted Roland FP-4 keyboard. The Pianoteq piano does translate the sound a bit fuller than the FP-4 alone. You can check out some of my other videos that have some very fast runs in them to see my technique.
Regards,
-L2L

[ryancangri]

Hey Roger, I noticed that you use a lot of different software programs, and you put the demonstrations here on Youtube. My question is, who do you work for? and would you be able to give your opinion on your favorite-sounding piano software? We all look up to you, and we just want your honest opinion. :) Thanks.

[Lotlearn]

Slightly edited C3 Solo Recording patch.

[greob]

I enjoy the video itself for the educational side. But I don't understand why you underline/comment on small motifs that doesn't really need explanation at all. I mean as a student the first thing I recognize are the recurrent motifs and patterns...
I was expecting explanations on some other parts...
For instance "use of space" at 1:38 ... I mean, I clearly see it's here on purpose. Why not explain the chord progression you use instead?
Perhaps I'm asking for too much. Sorry. ;-)
Nice perf'!