Product Review

Take a lesson with a true legend of American popular music! This DVD gives us a rare, up-close look into the style and technique of the man who co-wrote and played on all of Chuck Berry's biggest rock 'n' roll hits, including "Back in the USA;" "Memphis, Tennessee;" "Sweet Little Sixteen;" "Roll Over Beethoven;" "Rock & Roll Music;" and Berry's tribute to Johnnie, "Johnny B. Goode."

In a conversation with pianist/teacher David Bennett Cohen and guitarist Jimmy Vivino, and backed up by a top New York rhythm section, Johnnie breaks down his songs and grooves for blues piano enthusiasts, giving insights into his musical ideas and the history of rock and blues music. Our unique overhead camera angle provides a clear view of how Johnnie improvises the bass lines, chordal figures and lead parts that have made him so popular among musicians and fans alike. He performs each tune with the band, then patiently plays each one as slowly as possible for the sake of the learning pianist.

Johnnie performs and talks about a variety of powerful grooves: boogie woogie; slow blues; rumba rhythm; medium-tempo blues shuffle; rockabilly-style groove and more. Each one will provide many hours of repertoire-building ideas and techniques.