Boogie-woogie is an intoxicating music style that touches the heart and uplifts the spirit of players and listeners alike. Combining boogie-woogie, blues, rock, and rock 'n' roll elements into an enticing mix, boogie & blues piano offers pianists the freedom to play unaccompanied and to present a repertoire that is based on their own particular strengths. The rules of improvisation and how to jam along with other musicians are much easier to learn than in complex jazz music. Boogie-woogie is also a masculine domain and female pianists are underrepresented. While the large hands and strong male physique associated with greater power and endurance are a great advantage, women and girls can now take heart and are perfectly able to groove and boogie with the best of players by adjusting the notes and licks to a smaller hand with a lighter touch. German ULRIKE GAATE is one of the few female boogie & blues piano players in Europe, and New Zealander JAN PRESTON is known as the 'Queen of Boogie Piano' in Australia, where she now lives. The authors met from across the world through their shared love of the boogie piano tradition. They have produced this boogie & blues tutor to help and inspire female players of all ages to experience the uplifting energy and abundant possibilities of this style. Written for all small-handed piano players, regardless of gender, the book contains original compositions specifically arranged for pianists with small hands ranging in difficulty from lower intermediate to advanced, as well as a variety of suitable left hand patterns and many exercises. The authors present important characteristics of the boogie & blues piano style and provide tips on how to improvise. Audio samples are downloadable as mp3 files and QR codes. www.ulrikegaate.com www.janpreston.com
