James Booker "BEST VIDEO EVER" - Best Quality - Live - Blues Piano Genius - "True"

[@BluesPianoSheets]

LIVE videos of James Booker with good sound quality are rare. Here's 2 more you might enjoy. "Papa Was A Rascal" kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5exiGCQg9Ssr9U "Pixie" kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJLFdHSiZdqMY68

[@ajcraft-hello]

Thank you!

[@timjones2557]

God help the women that did that to you! Best blues voice. Real good.

[@joelfortenberry7865]

Papa was a rascal is in my top most favorite things ever in my musical experience

[@boblazar9720]

This may be one of the greatest musical performances ever recorded. It is profound, haunting, and raw.

[@DeniseLaFranceCDNpainter]

Well said. TRUE.

[@kzanardelli]

❤

[@emmalikesflowers]

💯🥲👏👏👏

[@mark.lawrence]

yes. i come back to it mostly everyday... it has everything; virtuosity, creativity, technicality, meaning, raw... stunning.

[@cynthianaslim]

Nailed it. It makes my heart hurt.

[@JamesSpeiser]

I did so many years locked up in the joint and living on the streets and I've sang and played all my life for my living and it ain't shit next to the supernatural brilliance of this man!

[@stevehaas9515]

My mom still lives across the street from where his Aunt lived. Man influenced our Church ⛪️ music director and we were blessed with his spirit to this day.

[@johnnymisbegotten]

Cool, I read that Booker lived with his aunt in Mississippi when he was young. Did he study classical piano there in grade school, or did he just figure it out for himself ha ha

[@matthewjones12181]

@@johnnymisbegotten according to some of the documentaries that I have seen about him, it was a little of both. It was an amalgamation of the classic style that he was taught, the gospel influence from church, and the New Orleans style of piano playing that he heard and emulated that created his style. But the thing about it is that he made it completely his own. In one of those documentaries, they have a musicologist from New Orleans talk about how he literally did things on the piano that no one else has ever done, nor likely will ever do again because of the technicality of it.

[@stevehaas9515]

His Aunt lived on Ballentine Street in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. She got a piano instructor for James when he was young. And he played piano/organ at Saint Rose Catholic Church in Bay Saint Louis and attended Catholic school as well. The Church was run by Priest taught in a seminary located in town. The seminary believed in multicultural coming tougher of people. Which strengthened James’s Creole identity. Which is one of the few cultures of inclusiveness. Sometimes referred to as a gumbo culture. I think it impacted his ability to assimilate various musical styles into his mind.

[@PhotonTheta]

In a city of musical legends, Booker tops them all... everyone has a Booker story, and he's been gone nigh on 30 year now.

[@nupreznz]

40 years in November

[@SergioGarcia-ts2kc]

This song makes me cry with my eyes closed. The great James Booker.

[@dylandecker_music]

As I progress as a musician I will come across music that is more harmonically, rhythmically, and overall more complicated than this. But I will always come back to James. He is the single most soulful player I have ever encountered and his playing captures the human experience. I'm sad that I will never get to see him live, but I will cherish these recording for the rest of my life. Long Live Booker

[@nunosantos2015]

I want to see you playing stormy Monday or his version sunny side of the street to see if you found something easy there 😂

[@mark.lawrence]

everyone knows who taylor swift is... & yet james booker remains in the shadows... not for me... stunning performing artist.

[@77Creation]

Sounds like a backhanded compliment. More complicated doesn’t equal “superior”. When it comes to art, intention, craftsmanship and feeling are what count.

[@paulamrod537]

This guy infected me with this style of music and may God bless Him wherever he is flying around.

[@robertsmith7108]

Thank God for New Orleans musicians -- Rest Easy Fats and James Booker

[@johnforbis5037]

..and Dr.John

[@nancywhitty7072]

And Allen Toussaint

[@LudwigHohlwein1974]

I watch this every now and then. The best. X

[@markleviner2540]

First time to hear James Booker. Do not know how I missed him 70yrs youg listeng to blues and live 3 hours from Jackson Square. Go figues. Peace Out and Love MMLZZZ

[@AaronHendu]

What brilliance...he leaves me at a loss for words, man. One of the best musicians and performers to ever grace us.

[@michaelwalter7879]

Just what a hair-raising 'goose bump' performance, even after listening to it a few dozen times. This is the quintessential blues piano piece and by far the best interpretation of a rather dull and cheesy jazz standard tune. Booker turned it into an eternal classic - was it ever recorded in a studio or published on record? Not that I'd recall. The numerous key changes (count them!) and incredible right hand runs, the tragic of both the embellished melody and lyrics - Booker truly meant and expressed what he felt, Here it all comes together: his classic training, his love for Chopin and Blue Notes alike, his spider fingers reaching and sliding the tenth elegantly, offsetting all with fat blue chords, three stories told by just two hands, plus the sad lyrics on top. The BBC contributed an entire radio show just to this single Montreux recording of 'True', disecting its construction and flawless interpretation. Trying to understand just WHY this one song is moving so many, especially piano and blues buffs. I do agree that this Montreux version of True is among the most important Blues ballad recordings to be found out there in our universe, unmatched. True and honest to the bone. Playing it right on keyboard is very, VERY difficult, but just moving through all the keys (G,D,C,F,,A,E..) is a lot of fun, leaving room to experiment with some of his wonderful ideas and chord motions. Whenever in a really sad mood I sit down and tinker with it at my piano, discovering something new while listening to his music JC Booker III was underrated and ignored far too long during his short and tragic life. Man, would he smirk (as he sometimes did), seeing the resurrection and admiration of his broad range repertoire today...

[@tomlyne3524]

^4

[@joedieffenbacherphysicalco4145]

Beautifully written. Thanks for taking the time. Listening to this in a whole other way thanks to your comment.

[@jingle3]

He was such an incredibly gifted artist. Genius isn't too strong a word to describe his ability. Gone far too soon.

[@bevhip1]

Bayou Maharajah is a truly wonderful movie; I saw it several years ago at Hackney Cinema and still remember well, and here it is on iTunes. Worth every penny.

[@Mike-fx4ut]

And Thank you. Again. A true Lengend! Still miss him, though.

[@jamesdaviddupre99]

Booker was an amazing pianist and a vocalist with great phrasing for sure. That 'Bayou Maharajah' documentary finally does him some justice and recognition. After seeing him at the Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans, I knew he was a musical genius. So sad to see him go so soon!

[@BluesPianoSheets]

It would have been amazing to see him at The Maple Leaf Bar

[@als6226]

Moving performance. Perfection personified. Legend never fades away

[@Mike-fx4ut]

...from somewhere in Southern Yurrope: Thank you, Blues Piano Sheets. He was (and still is) legend. I just wish more people would know about him. He asked me for ..."something to smoke" during a concert once... wasn't my thang, but I had friends. He was happy. Unforgettible times, sadly, all in the last Millennium. RIP Gonzo. COMSEUR

[@irish1209]

A legend. He could be singing this in any other language...and those keys would still get the feeling across to anyone. Beautiful.

[@otismack5916]

Just revisited this to demonstrate this genius to an young and up and coming pianist (only 16 years old), he had never heard him before. He is now in awe of him like many people.

[@jeffreyyeh1035]

This is the coolest look brotha ever. Dam so smooth.

[@robertmoorehead2900]

James Booker takes you to Church!! He is a Legend!!

[@patriciahargraves4243]

Flawless, absolutely beautiful! The two people that gave this thumbs down, must have thumbs in their ears.

[@nr6366]

Or up their arses!

[@robertlemuelboren3583]

patricia Hargraves woolybully

[@slepycitron]

Yet he is rather self-indulgent.

[@alanmessenger9397]

He played great piano- at the level of a virtuoso. And sang, and composed. How can you have a problem with this? If you don't enjoy this, go away! You wouldn't be missed.

[@ata1811]

Did somebody say 'goosebumps', too blinkin' troooo I got goosebumps!! Truely superb!!

[@tomcrowell6697]

If... anyone... Needed a documentary.....it's James....

[@jeffh757]

This is as good as it gets.

[@mark.lawrence]

yes.

[@MarinPatt]

The best version of “too many notes” I ever heard. ❤. Can’t get over this performance! The incredible Houdini like outcome of what is produced from such little effort with his fingers is unreal. I’ve watched it hundreds of times for years and it always brings me overwhelming joy to hear his soul roar! 🖤

[@jamesonh1]

Man what a genius, and a legend, and a soulful guy...such a great recording

[@tomcrowell6697]

Booker is a God! Rest my friend. We miss you.

[@b00i00d]

Having only known Booker by name, this video is my first exposure to the man's art. So I came here expecting some pretty mean piano, which I got. What I didn't know and therefore expect, however, was this amazing voice!

[@Nardvillain]

same. blown away.

[@ups481]

Never heard of HIM and I'm 55 .... magic!

[@SergioGarcia-ts2kc]

Talk about a extraordinary performance. Makes me cry from the soul. Great artist 🎨.

[@tommylyons3765]

Woooooww! Absolute emotion! No words. Wow!

[@tylerbrandon460]

Man he sure can play and sing soo soo wonderful. I read that his left hand work was so amazing it was nearly impossible to find a bassist who could play with him.

[@Clodhopping]

True - a very busy left hand didn't leave much room for a bass player. Plus, he's playing lots of inversions so a wrongly placed tonic note would spoil the harmonics.

[@pamelagibson4758]

When I want to hear the blues about unrequited love I listen to James singing "True" he brings tears to my eyes. And then there's that MARVELOUS piano playing, I love it! So happy I finally found out about him.

[@blvtzpk]

I wish there was an additional video of just his fingers on the keys...magic!

[@ronaldvaliquette7150]

Exceptionnel,très bien interprété,un moment sublime,merci!

[@rafaelrieck6655]

I´ve seen him live in Germany in the seventies. When he was without drugs, he was the king of piano!

[@maxsobolev8088]

oh, what a wonderful music! amazing time, beautiful voice, noble piano!!!! this man sings and play by his soul!

[@mariaaparecidamagalhaesdeb7304]

Que belas palavras !

[@leooneil5690]

I was hanging in the small studio at Cosimo Recording in New Orleans the first time I heard James Booker. I'm guessing around 1964. He sat down and played an unbelievable version of Malaguena! He look like he was 15.

[@BluesPianoSheets]

Wow, what a great experience to treasure

[@allandavis6116]

I used to catch Booker at his regular Thurs. nite gig at Lu and Charlies ... maybe 30 people in the place .... great garlic bread ....

[@BluesPianoSheets]

Wow, that would have been fantastic

[@jpconnor106]

Incredible str8 up chills…💪🏽🔥

[@mark.lawrence]

gets better everytime i hear it ... & it was good the first time i heard it ...

[@rabbitstslim]

Yes sir!!

[@hjonm9730]

Flooding cascades of beauty, this is the story of pain and and loss, line up and get your crying towel, you who have lost someone, lost some dream, we can come here and cry about it together and know that what James Booker told us is TRUE.

[@BluesPianoSheets]

What a great comment

[@JosephHuether]

I can’t help but think of this song as a sad bittersweet “love letter” by Black America to its too often ungrateful native land.

[@sierra6588]

This gentleman has unbelievable, amazing, unique talent!!!

[@tylerbrandon460]

Yes indeed. I read that hardly anyone could play with him, he'd have to hold back. Truly on another level/plane/dimension/galaxy.

[@Mike-fx4ut]

Dear Mr. Blues Piano Sheets, you may or not remember me for another post, concerning an old friend, Vince. Shall we say "issues" kept me away from your channel for too long. Throw me into to the "get off mah lawn/ grumpy old man" drawer, by now, if you will. I have all published CDs and some unpublished material from Mr. Gonzo. I just was not able to listen to it, for (way) too long. Tonight made me a happy camper. (One can HEAR again!) Sorta. James was LEGEND. Thank you for bringing me tears of joy (I ain't proud). Long missed. He used to "recuperate/save/restore..." pianos found in alleys round town, in his early days. To have something to play on... Y'all should listen to "Patchwork": A Tribute to James Booker, by various artists. Well worth it. Y'all stay safe now, hear? COM out

[@BluesPianoSheets]

Hi Mike, nice to hear from you. You still have your special talent for writing, especially considering English is not your first language.

[@Mike-fx4ut]

​@@BluesPianoSheets Howdy, Sir. one but tries... :) I shall answer you per private email tomorrow or day after, am in sickbay again, or still? Quick word of advice: do NOT get to my age.... thangs are fallin' apart, like, sigh. Anyhoo, Gonzo being, hmm, shall we "diplomatically" say "overlooked" the last time he checked into Mercy Hospital... the word "shame" does not even begin to convey my feelings on that. Still. Even after all these years. I wish more people would know a little bit about James Caroll III. He was truly "SPECIAL". Thank you for posting, Blues Piano Sheets! :)

[@harrimersalo8216]

Incredible.

[@emmalikesflowers]

So good it makes me wanna cry

[@oscarnavarrooficial]

Otro dios del piano que cayó en combate en las barracas de la droga y los excesos,noches de gloria y sentimientos colmados de alcohol y grandeza,toda una generación de historias pasó por sus manos,descanse en paz y para siempre Sr.B★★ker. 🌹

[@mark.lawrence]

this is so good... the very essence of blues...

[@mickemousse68]

Il est unique et c'est cette singularité qui rend un artiste exceptionnel. Quel touché, quel jeu !!! Des heures à laisser dérouler en sirotant un punch au bord de la piscine. On ne s'en lasse jamais à l'inverse d'une multitude d'artistes où 3 chansons d'affilés sont suffisantes pour passer à autre chose. Je conseille l'excellent double album "Classified" qui est un concentré d'excellence.

[@birdmansclambake]

This is totally AWESOME 👏 🎹🎼

[@raysmith3288]

From the school of Professor Longhair and his greatest of the greats.

[@catdaddy3302]

And the school of Chopin.

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

@@catdaddy3302 Chopin is important!

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

@@catdaddy3302 Is he from New Orleans?

[@thehypnoticdog6682]

Bravo!!!!!!!!

[@eallanboggs]

I got to see James play the piano and sing at a small jazz club on Tchopoulas St in New Orleans in the late 1970s We miss you James

[@BluesPianoSheets]

That's special

[@Alex1977ification]

GENIUS. Absolute pure GENIUS.

[@donaldw9617]

Double Wow! er..Tripple WOW!!!

[@mark.lawrence]

damn ... this guy is so good ...

[@PIANOBYMAURICE]

Simply magnificent!

[@mark.lawrence]

this is an absolute stunna.

[@lalasoul]

soooo beautiful!!!!!!

[@davidmccaffery7977]

The smile says it all...

[@josephh8117]

Chills

[@murph3001]

This amazing talent takes your heart !!

[@siuealangi9624]

Wow!.... Thank you for sharing.

[@jeandusart3586]

Wonderful

[@harrimersalo8216]

This is very good music.

[@Ms504girl]

Gone too soon .One of the greats

[@okiepita50t-town28]

What a genius he was.

[@catdaddy3302]

I was drinking Community Coffee and listening to this before I was born!

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

CDM

[@chrisfitzhugh5167]

Lucky you...listening to him in utero

[@frankcovacevich9578]

AWESOME, as Dr John said, Booker is the best one eyed black gay piano players ever

[@NattyBeGood]

Wow! WOW! Just wow. I love discovering new music as good as this. Dr John brought me here. Rest easy Dr John. Dr. John described Booker as "the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced."

[@stevemarsden9386]

Short answer: best piano player ever produced.

[@catdaddy3302]

The best - PERIOD! And Mac knew it!

[@joeferguson2606]

I hate to use the word Genius too much, i think we throw it around too easily I use it in extreme cases because if i dont, it loses its bite and meaning..but i think its well deserved here.

[@marioalejandrosuarezarcila7197]

Beautiful.....

[@RAMLIA1]

So good !

[@diethardmichaelmeyer3664]

Unglaublich!

[@janvanwijk5979]

Wow.

[@musicmavenpublishing2265]

Amazing stuff ❤

[@pierfrancescobaldarelli444]

Immenso

[@meldubin5919]

Such greatness !!

[@samsuefergo12]

OMG Beautiful Beautiful

[@ThinkingMonk901]

Here because of Harry Connick Jr's painting----- I'm Hunkered.

[@GetItDoneProjects]

That's too funny! So am I. Increasing my depth.

[@nino0057]

That's some good piano playing.

[@chrisPAT03]

He and The Fat Man (Fats Domino) are such legends. Of course everybody that knows anything about rock knows Fats is the king, but so many don't know about James, and they should. This man played so beautifully. Blues... Doesn't get much better than that!

[@dannymachado1]

now that my friend is talent

[@michaeldailey3219]

..and a shitload of hard work.

[@maxbressan]

wow!!

[@keefmeister77]

Typical Booker, mindblowingly good.

[@joerobinson2538]

I just stumbled upon this legend by researching the song “As the Years Go Passing By” done by Albert King then later by Jeff Healey (James played on the original version done in the 50’s). He taught Harry Connick Jr. How to play! Discovery of the year for me!

[@BluesPianoSheets]

What a great comment, don't ya love KZbin at times like this.

[@ShawnaNoDrama]

Im true Said im crazy over you No one else will do You know you just dont love me. Everybody knows, Im crazy over you And no, no one, no one, no one else but you can tell anyone just how much Love you love you I guess thats all there is to tell Sitting life is well You know you just dont love me. Ive given you might my heart, darling you dont love me.

[@kennyproulx4690]

The Master................................

[@bharatbash]

Amazing!

[@jamesewanchook2276]

genious!

[@blanebostock]

Sublime in all regards,

[@emarkjacobs]

this is Black magique! go'head James

[@Chesterton7]

Wow!

[@Argotero]

the best ever......

[@albertangeloro5832]

thanks mucho haven't heard him in years. he explained his addiction that when he was 10 yrs old he was hit by a car and the pain was unbearable and he never forgot that first shot of morphine. i play him (often Sunny Side Of The Street) with John Prine's song about Sam Stone, injured in Nam "and the morphine eased the pain, there's a hole in daddy's arm where all the money goes." goanna play this Saturday thanks AA

[@phil.d-roll6393]

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