Star Wars | "Cantina Band" | Ragtime Piano Duet | Martin Spitznagel & Bryan Wright

Two million views! Wow! Like this track? Support our music and buy it on iTunes! itunes.apple.com/us/album/star-wars-cantina-band-in/id429518895?uo=4
Here's the sheet music, transcribed by Gulliver Johnson at No Sheets Given! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYCnd6WchreiY6M
Here are Martin Spitznagel (me, on left) and Bryan Wright (username "bixvenuti") having some fun performing "Cantina Band" by John Williams. We were giving a concert in Pittsburgh on March 28, 2009, and needed a tune to end with. We didn't have anything prepared, so we got together the afternoon of the concert and figured out this arrangement.
Bryan and I both specialize in ragtime and early American piano music, so it's kind of awesome that John Williams chose to score the seedy, dangerous cantina in "A New Hope" with ragtime.
For more info on us, visit Bryan's website at www.bryanswright.com and my website at www.spitzfire.com. Thanks for watching!
Special thanks to:
Yuko Eguchi, video
Bryan Wright, audio

[@samaritan_sys]

Mezo forte be with you.

[@sonoftheway3528]

a comment made before the dark times, before the Disney

[@tobiashorowitz9676]

oh my god thats funny

[@valoilmari]

@@sonoftheway3528 bro disney rules

[@sonoftheway3528]

@@valoilmari Disney Star Wars is mostly shit

[@valoilmari]

@@sonoftheway3528 disagreed

[@cojita1414]

You need a lot of hans to solo this

[@cojita1414]

I’d rather you DEW it with 2 people

[@malcolmmacinnis247]

@@cojita1414 you'll only a senate away nyahahahah

[@swf4841]

Brilliant

[@miksul64]

this needs more likes

[@istvanvaradi3149]

I have a solo version on my channel. :)

[@chinmustache6420]

This is actually the best cover of Cantina Band I’ve ever heard

[@Spitzfire]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@ApexClanDS]

That’s got to be the best ~~pirate~~ bounty hunter ive ever seen

[@cashburn26]

That laugh at the end is the perfect reaction of, "Damn, that was awesome."

[@MartinSpitznagel]

We've been playing the piano for a long time. It gets easier, I promise! :D

[@antoniomonteiro3698]

yes! I said that in another channel and got banned...

[@teaser6089]

I'm learning it myself, 20 years old, it's hard, but very rewarding!

[@Apponyi_Albert]

It makes lot of difference what's your favourite genre

[@UrbanTiger74]

Haha! Outstanding gentlemen!

[@MartinSpitznagel]

Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@patkackozspokopl]

alejandrothefader its true

[@Zefrenm]

+alejandrothefader This is 40s stride with a touch Zez Confrey, i thinks it's well within it's style

[@ColonelHomer21]

Supreme Gentlemen like Elliot Rodger

[@antares9601]

okay, these guys are quite good... But what am I doing here at 2 am?

[@SpaghettioH]

HAHAHA, I read this comment and looked at the time.... 2:16am. What a coincidence.

[@minimuzkins7123]

Hahahahaha same.. 2:24

[@n2spagooter692]

1:57... Damnit

[@IrishBlendCoffe]

I guess the same thing I'm doing here at 2 am, 2 months after you.

[@Greencze]

Duuuude. 2:10AM Haha.

[@louswire]

Gotta love the giggle when they're done.

[@SoloStudiosOfficial]

Yup.

[@RossTheBossTrotter]

An elegant music, for a more civilized age.

[@Caseyuptobat]

Literally called Jizz, my dude

[@iveL.rehtaM]

@@Caseyuptobat* jazz

[@nicefreemyx3044]

Isn't it beautiful how this music let people laugh

[@PiotrBarcz]

Got the hundred first like!!!

The good thing about this arrangement is not having “too much”. With a bit of reharmonization technically it is possible to play it for one person.

[@Spitzfire]

That's been one of the best and most surprising parts about this - the arrangement is spare and accessible enough that folks can learn it and share it!

@@Spitzfire Hello Martin! Thanks so much for your reply and I am here to tell you I am a big fan of you. Your album “face melting ragtime” is always in my playlist!

[@Spitzfire]

@ That's wonderful! I'm grateful to be part of the soundtrack :)

[@JohannaAFlorez]

Oh, what I'd give for a piano that sounds like that...

[@JohannaAFlorez]

So free? :'(

[@JohannaAFlorez]

*files away in back of mind for when I have a house with space for a piano and the ability to play one with any skill*

[@Desomorphinum]

+Johanna A. Florez you mean this horrible youtube sound? Shouldn't be too expensive tbh

[@JohannaAFlorez]

Desomorphinum did the video sound bad to you (quality-wise)? I wonder if there's something wrong with your speakers/headphones.

[@Desomorphinum]

Johanna A. Florez It's youtube sound. It's literally never good/high quality. Got better over the last few years, but if you have decent headphones and something to compare with, you just stop listening to music via youtube. Don't get me wrong, the video is awesome. The sound just isn't.

[@redflare100]

The reason why I love these guys especially the guy with the glasses, he ENJOYS the music! I mean he smiles like he knows what he's feeling and he's feeling great! The sensation of playing a piece you love is amazing.

[@nnmartin94]

the guy with the glasses shot first

[@moonlambo5229]

wow this video is 13 years old. Still the best version of Cantina Band I have ever heard!

[@creativesamurai8372]

I still love this. i keep coming back 16/11/2019

[@MartinSpitznagel]

That is wonderful to hear. So glad you enjoy it!

[@asynir1886]

I’ve come to summon you

[@GrimmTeather]

The best thing about this is you're having fun and this rubs off on anyone who is watching, regardless if they like the song of not. This was terrific.

[@raicho20]

Rag Time always puts a genuine smile on people's faces! That's why I love it!

[@jeffking4176]

Now THIS is how it should have been played in the movie!

[@jayguez9324]

That duet is out of this galaxy...

[@MrDarkcloud123]

far far away...

[@aronlakshtanov7863]

I watched this for the first time when i was 10. Still gives me chills

[@renegateraven1567]

Who is also here in 2020 and impressed about these two guys?

[@PeturMag]

This video came up in recommended after I watched this one... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKe9fJyVrLaim80&ab_channel=KristenMosca

[@ThatManSpam]

Heck yeah brother!

[@chinmustache6420]

2021 now

[@jimmyyoung4187]

This was so astonishingly fantastic, I didn't want these guys to finish playing.

[@lanceortega1]

That's it!

[@lottiefaith6935]

I love it! Not too fast, not too slow, not too quiet, not too loud, just perfect! I've played this over and over. I am not a musician but I'm a listener and I love what I hear!

[@gabrielleoverton3580]

From one professional pianist to another, that was bloody brilliant. You absolutely nailed it my friend, well done!

[@scottwanthony]

Now I want to hear what the Cantina Band would sound like on the Westworld player piano.

[@Steupeubla]

god damn it's the best video i've ever seen in my life

[@kulter20]

It automatically cheers me up, ragtime. Well done gents!

[@Resonatick]

haha i get such a good vibe from them being so happy :)

[@littlepewpew001]

Every time I watch this video it makes me smile Thank you for uploading it.

[@GimmeDatDammit]

absolutley LOVE how you can SEE how much Martin likes the music that's being played...music should make us all that happy.

[@mockingjaytheatrecompany795]

From one pianist to another, well done my friend, you absolutely nailed it. Best version so far!

[@MartinSpitznagel]

Thank you to the hundreds of you who have e-mailed us over the past four years asking to play this duet! In celebration of our millionth view, and thanks to Gulliver Johnson at No Sheets Given, we are pleased to offer the sheet music for download; the link is in the video description. Have fun!

[@MartinSpitznagel]

Thanks! Bryan and I have talked often about doing an album together. I've recorded on his label Rivermont Records, and we jam together often at festivals. We've talked about doing more tunes together like this one - when we do, for sure you'll find it here.

[@hawkwind40]

2023,, and still come back to this!!

[@Spitzfire]

Can't believe we posted it 14 years ago!

[@musichobo711]

Absolutely outstanding...that piece was meant for ragtime!

[@Valmor2388]

Fantastic playing! I've always loved watching ragtime players do interpretations like this.

[@NoahFaulkner]

Fantastic. A great arrangement with great performers!

[@francoisrodewald9868]

It's great to see you two having so much fun while playing!

[@ZootSuitWolf]

The "Force" is definitely with you, young Spitznagel!!!... ie. That was BAD ASS!!!

[@littlepewpew001]

So 36 years ago I saw Star Wars at the movies. This December the original cast is back ! !

[@ChrisTaylor-xk3hc]

I'm of an age to have enjoyed this scene in the original file at the proper time. I also used to play piano to an extent (nothing like you guys). So it's great to see two different elements of my teenage years coming together and sounding so good :)

[@eliasa.9566]

What a great performance! If i close my eyes i can even see the guy tying the girl to the rail road. Stunning.

[@timsutton-brand1152]

Genuinely don't think I've ever seen anyone look so happy as the guy on the left at 1:20

[@liberte5847]

Cantina band all for our ears, bravo! Greatest ever! MERCI BEAUCOUP! In stereophonic soundtrack! Emmanuel

[@andreamodenese97]

Played this at a piano recital with my teacher, we had so much fun 😂

[@Spitzfire]

That's awesome! Glad you had fun :)

[@GoodOldErin]

I played this version with my girl-friend, who I married later, at my sister's wedding. It was so much fun. But I needed a Lot of exercice as being an accordion and not a Piano player. 😊

[@PersianPlatypus]

A friend of mine and I have just begun learning this and I can say right now that it is definitely no simple task, but extremely fun hahah. Tremendous respect for these gentlemen.

[@TheDapperManns]

Thank you for letting us use this amazing song for our performance group! It is such a work of art!

[@CharlesXavier]

Ludwig van Beethoven: He doesn't like you. (points at Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart) Wladyslaw Szpilman: I'm sorry. Ludwig van Beethoven: I don't like you either. You just watch yourself. We're wanted pianists. We have evening concerts in over twelve provinces. Wladyslaw Szpilman: I'll be careful. Ludwig van Beethoven: You'll be dead!

[@afendz]

+CharlesXavier ...err, slices hand with music sheet?...lol

[@CharlesXavier]

+Nnoitra Jiruga Maybe something more like this first: Billy Joel: This gentleman's not worth the effort. Now let me get you something... Ludwig van Beethoven: NYYAAAA! (tosses aside Szpilman)

[@afendz]

+CharlesXavier ...ahaha, billy joel...nice one...

[@XAVR_]

This may be the most niche joke I've ever read

[@barscotch]

@CharlesXavier don't you mean, "YOU'LL BE DEAF!"

[@graup1309]

PLAY THE SAME SONG AGAIN!!!

[@Crazy-vb9oz]

Family guy reference

[@lanceortega1]

My favourite version!

[@WestSideVision]

I love how you can actually see them feel the music

[@Lorenzo-bs6wc]

The Force Is strong in you💖

[@ZootSuitWolf]

By the way, Martin, I bought your album (Handful of Keys) on Amazon and all I can say is that I love it. Nothing better to ease the tension in L.A. traffic than the "Super Mario Bros Medley" done in stride. You need to record and release your Star Wars tunes on your next album. Also, I downloaded the sheet music for the "Cantina Band duet". Hope you put out sheet music for a Solo (no pun intended... Get it?... Han Solo?) version for this song and the Super Mario Bros Medley. Keep up the great work... your stuff is awesome!!!

[@MartinSpitznagel]

ZootSuitWolf Thanks so much for picking up my album! It thrills me to know it's out there and brightening someone's day. Hope to have more stuff up and available soon. :D

[@dysfunctional7083]

ZootSuitWolf I

[@brittonblack7534]

Spitznagel...I can't even dream of playing with the intent that you have. My mother played for CSO for years and I grew up listening to her. Your rags are amazing and can't be touched... We love you

[@13579Winter]

The Beginning almost made me cry, and did not prepare me for the cantina band . beautiful work. Bravo

[@haydnwhittaker4154]

This isn't the KZbin video you're looking for

[@stephenmichaud2705]

This is most certainly the KZbin I was looking for.

[@jacobgrain5380]

Haydn Whittaker Yes it is, that's what I clicked on it :)

[@gavin169]

Oooooeee, are you ever wrong

[@oldsins3797]

This isn't the KZbin video we need, but this is the KZbin video we deserve.

[@crispcelery955]

Move Along, Move along

[@thomasdoyle6084]

This is awesome!

[@crohgnos]

That intro just brings tears to my eyes

[@BenjaminBowling777]

Clap clap clap to the music while playing

[@bournemouthlass]

This made me smile so much, thank you. :-)

[@RuggedCoyote69]

"he doesn't like you"

[@chrishernandez2092]

I don't like you either

[@peteaxe2067]

+Chris Hernandez You watch yourself. we're wanted men

[@DARTHVADERNATOR123]

+Vault Boy I have the death sentence on 12 systems..

[@Mr.GameCrazy]

+YaznegTheHunter I'll be careful.

[@peteaxe2067]

YaznegTheHunter This little ones not worth the effort. Now come. Let me get you something

[@Irland_Dolin]

This is the best Video on Yt ive ever seen.

[@lensusanful]

If I could wake to this every day I would be smiling ALL day! Absolutely wonderful!

[@DFX2KX]

wow, not bad! the guy on the right was super serious until the very end, which was humorous.

[@georgestephenson6255]

That shit was lit as fuck

[@laurencegray4720]

This is a very "FORCE"-full performance. May The Farce Be with You.

[@th232np]

L'un des signes pour savoir si un morceau est vraiment réussi, c'est lorsqu'on voit, comme dans cette vidéo que les (2, 3 ou plusieurs) protagonistes ont le sourire à la fin, voire éclatent de rire et que vous avez envie de rire avec eux. Ils s'amusent et nous font partager leur joie. Bravo pour cette prestation !

[@CarsonsCat]

To anyone reading this , check out Martin and Brian live in concert this sat oct 4 2014 ONLINE ! . Check them out on 'ConcertWindow.com' .

[@MartinSpitznagel]

Carson, many thanks for this plug, and for tuning in on Saturday. We hope you enjoyed it!

[@4MrJ]

Incredible

[@niklasausbtown]

Wow, this is amazing. I am playing it right now with a friend and it's fun even after long period of time practicing it (video answer following soon, stay tuned)! Thank you guys so much for such wonderful music and providing the sheets!

[@talory]

You guys rock. I'm a veteran muscian, slightly jaded. I find that watching the faces and expressions of people who are playing their music and playing it well is a wonderful and revitalizing thing. Thanks for making me smile at your enthusiasm and your own smiles. Your happiness made me happy!

[@Plespirate]

Brilliant!!!! U made my day lads

[@SoniaGarcia-rk6fy]

I LOVE that song😍

[@PilzEtosis]

I actually got shivers just from the intro..

[@ThisSinginGirlAK]

I could watch this over and over and over...I first saw it a couple of years ago and I still just adore it :) Great job guys!

[@DL23a]

You are making a better version of a brilliant song. Great work!

[@dramawind]

That evil laugh at the end.

[@creativesamurai8372]

Really wish i could afford to come see you live. You are amazing

[@locixx]

still here somehow.

[@MartinSpitznagel]

Me too, thankfully! :D

[@LegoMaestro]

:O that's amazing

[@citiblocsMaster]

Spitznagel is having so much fun

[@landongomez9572]

They look so happy

[@adrianarencibia1408]

Wow I feel like I'm in bar Star Wars right now.

[@violahollestein2654]

WHERE IS THE SHEET MUSIC? I want them so bad

[@carbonation9093]

The quality of music related Star Wars puns is exquisite

[@ellenthomas784]

Absolutely loved watching and listening to you two playing this together! Thanks guys! Now you're making me miss Oxford 2020 even more.

[@PeteraBunny]

1:20 Guy 1 "Yeah!" Guy 2 "Uh..No, just...no."

[@Tony_Baloney_69420]

Waiting for Rogue One to come out on theaters.

[@jonathandares4339]

Waiting for the last Jedi to come out in theaters

[@benerickson2067]

Jonathan dares waiting for the movie after solo to come out

[@KevDYAD]

Loved the chuckle at the end. Obviously enjoyed themselves.

[@samueljohnson900]

This was fantastic... Absolutely lovely...

[@cleonstewart6477]

That bald guy had the biggest nerdgasm. Ever...

[@Harz4lp]

Chuck norris could to that without hands ._.

[@Laicionmusic]

Chuck norris would do that without an instrument

[@johnderouen1038]

Tom Brier could do this with his mind. While drinking a cup of coffee and caressing his throatstache.

[@MartinSpitznagel]

John DeRouen All ragtime pianists are but dreams in the mind of Tom Brier. #allhailthethroatstache

[@jojbajohan]

Martin Spitznagel Neckbeard is over 9000!!!!!!

[@serf3469]

+Harz4LP Bruce Lee killed Chuck Norris in Return of the Dragon, so don't idolize Chuck Norris when he can't even beat Bruce Lee

[@rlejoliff]

Very nice sound. May the force be with you ! Amazing !

[@rniel1988]

I've watched this dozens of times! Love it everytime!!

[@Penzeric1]

Great arrangement! I never realized how ragtimey that song was.

[@TheMeeksDuo]

So much fun! Loved the offbeat accents here and there and the ease and joy with which you both play!

[@clownslider]

Never watch a video of yours without a huge smile on my face, keep up the great work Martin!

[@carolinecoulton1238]

They’re in perfect sync with each other. Amazing

[@littlepewpew001]

WOOOT@! That was awesome and a pleasure to watch and listen too !