Wrote this song yesterday afternoon... Craig Hallen 2022-02-11 | This song didn't exist prior to yesterday, but with a concept in mind I decided to set myself a challenge to complete a song project within 24 hours (i.e. words, music & video); the result is called 'I've Turned My Back On You'. For everyone whose lives have been upended over the past 2 years by the 'powers that shouldn't be'.UPDATE: Full & complete production version here: youtu.be/rz76TFLRkLwhttp://craighallen.bandcamp.comcraighallenmusic.com
Song from Craig Hallens NEW Album Craig Hallen 2022-11-01 | 'I've Turned My Back On You', from the new album Nothing Lasts Forever - in response to all the ongoing rubbish.. Written by Craig Hallen / Produced by Craig Hallen & Ian RushtonView the original demo video here: youtu.be/9M66XC8OVNIListen/download via Bandcamp here: http://craighallen.bandcamp.comFULL ALBUM VIDEO PLAYLIST: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH4IbwH1wxl1j3sW-VphKNxqGiLH5zcGzcraighallenmusic.com
Blue Moon (The Marcels) - COVER Craig Hallen 2022-10-25 | Bomp baba-bomp ba-bomp-ba-bomp-bomp, Bomp-bomp-bomp ba-bomp bomp, ba-dang a-dang-dang, da-ding-a-dong-ding.....BLUE MOON - written by Richard Rogers (1902-1979) and Lorenz Hart (1895-1943); with an upbeat doo-wop version released by The Marcels back in 1961.
Fats Domino Piano/Vocal Medley by Craig H Craig Hallen 2022-10-20 | Compilation of Fats Domino songs covered on the piano(See also links to piano tutorials):1. 'Blueberry Hill'2. 'I Hear You Knocking'3. 'Ain't That A Shame'4. 'Walking To New Orleans'5. 'Blue Monday'6. 'Red Sails In The Sunset'Fats Domino piano TUTORIALS:'Blueberry Hill': youtu.be/CGhSU8x_72U'I Hear You Knocking': youtu.be/JIlvTFE1YNw'Ain't That A Shame': youtu.be/GTTe1L0YxKA'Blue Monday': youtu.be/XJmXHwurKT8
Unboxing another Medeli SP4200 Craig Hallen 2022-10-16 | Unpacking of Medeli SP4200/Thomann SP-5600 plus overview of Gator GK-88 SLIM keyboard case. Chapters:00:00 - Intro02:07 - Unboxing07:40 - Gator keyboard case description/overview14:15 - Medeli specifications14:55 - Connections on rear of keyboard15:58 - Audio cable for connection to external PA/MixerMedeli unboxing 1: youtu.be/EOWVYfoIfaoMedeli demo: youtu.be/Atr-kRQpLhU SP4200/SP-5600 vs SP201: youtu.be/O0FkwXlwzgg www.craighallenmusic.comcraighallen.bandcamp.com
Homemade PA Speaker using Digital Piano parts Craig Hallen 2022-10-07 | Portable PA assembled from repurposed Medeli SP4200/Thomann SP-5600 piano keyboard parts.Chapters - Part 1 (assembly idea): 00:00 Part 2 (end result): 19:30Medeli 'disassembly' video: youtu.be/ZZige_wQ4NwOriginal song 'Pigeons' by Craig Hallen: youtu.be/MqdYoiBx-BMNew album 'Nothing Lasts Forever' available on Bandcamp - November 2022. http://craighallen.bandcamp.com craighallenmusic.com/music-releases.html
‘Pigeons’ by Craig Hallen; Music & Lyric Video Craig Hallen 2022-09-16 | Words and Music by Craig Hallen. Drum editing and guitars by Ian Rushton.Piano, keyboard, synth and vocals by Craig Hallen.Music produced by Craig Hallen and Ian Rushton. Mixed by Ian Rushton.Video compiled and edited by Craig Hallen.From the album 'Nothing Lasts Forever' - download song here: craighallen.bandcamp.comhttp://www.craighallenmusic.comFULL ALBUM VIDEO PLAYLIST: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH4IbwH1wxl1j3sW-VphKNxqGiLH5zcGz
High - Lighthouse Family COVER Craig Hallen 2022-08-17 | Released 25 years ago, 'High' was written by Paul Tucker, and recorded by the British duo 'Lighthouse Family' - featuring Paul Tucker and vocalist Tunde Baiyewu. This song features some very meaningful lyrics, and a lush, uplifting string arrangement in the intro/outro. The song could be interpreted as meaning that no matter what bad things happen in this life, it will, in the end, all work out, and one day be succeeded by a feeling of hope and fulfilment.
Hearing Damage & Recovery - A Musicians Experience2 Craig Hallen 2022-08-13 | Detailed update on hearing progress after sudden noise exposure – this is the follow up to the initial video posted 12 months ago: youtu.be/OQobPtSJbrEChapters:00:00 - Update & Overview:03:18 - Latest Hearing Test Results05:25 - Recent Issues/Wax etc12:50 - In-Ear Monitors/Earplugs18:50 - Almond Oil Ear Drops19:37 - Final ThoughtsWestone EAS10 In Ear Monitors: westoneaudio.com/product/eas10-earphones Local Supplier – Earplugs, IEM’s etc: pacificears.co.nz
Honesty - Billy Joel piano/vocal cover Craig Hallen 2022-07-20 | Written by the great Billy Joel (b. 09 May, 1949), from his 1978 Album - '52nd Street'.Performed here on the Medeli SP201 keyboard, using the Behringer C-1 condenser mic.
Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay - Piano/Vocal cover (with backing track) Craig Hallen 2022-07-18 | Video featuring live piano/vocal performance (with backing track) - recorded in one complete take (no additional overdubs or edits).‘Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay’ was a 1958 hit single for the American doo-wop quartet - Danny & the Juniors. It was written by member David White, who also co-wrote their earlier hit song ‘At The Hop’. It is noted for being performed by Sha Na Na in the classic film ‘Grease’.‘At The Hop’ and ‘Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay’, although originally in the key of Ab and G respectively, are musically very similar, featuring an identical chord structure and rhythmic pattern. ‘Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay’ has two interesting modulations towards the end, finishing in the key of A.Lead singer Danny Rapp, who sadly took his own life back in 1983, was barely 16 years old when the group first came to prominence in 1957 on American Bandstand - hosted by Dick Clark.While the group is still active today, only one member - Frank Maffei still survives from the original line up.See how to play 'At The Hop' here, along with some general rock n roll piano technique, the style of which can be applied to 'Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay' also: youtube.com/watch?v=WxFwkBBWuyU
Mid-Winter Live Music Entertainment Craig Hallen 2022-06-26 | A video compilation of live music with Craig Hallen - 23 June 2022'Sweet Caroline' (Neil Diamond)'Save The Last Dance For Me' (The Drifters)'All I have To Do Is Dream' (The Everly Brothers)'Lucille' (Kenny Rogers)'Don't Be Cruel' (Elvis Presley)
Comfort Zone - New 2022 song by Craig Hallen Craig Hallen 2022-06-21 | An original song for anyone seeking a change; might be time to leave the comfort zone.. This solo 'demo' version - © 2022 Craig Hallen.craighallenmusic.com http://craighallen.bandcamp.com
Bus Stop / I Cant Let Go (The Hollies) - Cover by Craig H Craig Hallen 2022-06-03 | A couple of British songs for Her Majesty – celebrating Queen’s Birthday this weekend, and 70th Jubilee. These two tracks are from the legendary British act – The Hollies, with piano and vocals recorded and performed here by Craig Hallen. ‘Bus Stop’ was written by Graham Gouldman of 10cc fame, and followed The Hollies’ pervious hit single ‘I Can’t Let Go’ – written by Al Gorgoni and Chip Taylor (brother of actor John Voight), the latter who also wrote The Troggs’ famous song ‘Wild Thing’.Both ‘Bus Stop’ and ‘I Can’t Let Go’ showcase the Hollies’ brilliant harmonies, featuring the three core singers Allan Clarke (lead vocals), Graham Nash (guitar & vocals) and Tony Hicks (lead guitar & vocals). Of course Nash would go on to further fame in Crosby, Stills, & Nash, but his tenure with The Hollies cannot be diminished. The original recording of ‘I Can’t Let Go’ features a soaring counter tenor by Graham Nash, and of course Allan Clarke cannot be overlooked as one of the great lead vocalists of the time. Clarke retired from the group in the late 90’s, as did Nash 30 years prior, but two core members (Tony Hicks & drummer Bobby Elliot) still remain a part of The Hollies, which still tours to this day - 60 years after its original formation.
Blue Monday (Fats Domino) - Song Cover & Piano Lesson Craig Hallen 2022-05-30 | 'Blue Monday' is a song written by Dave Bartholomew and recorded by Fats Domino, among others - the video presented here being based on that version.Chapters:00:00 – Cover performance of complete song (with backing track)02:24 – Lesson introduction & overview03:59 – Song Intro section06:11 – Verse section09:11 – Right hand pattern09:49 – Left hand pattern14:19 – Intro & verse demo (with vocals)15:45 – Bridge section18:46 – Final verse demo (with vocals)19:06 – Solo & final bridge demo (no vocals)20:03 – Outro section
Song For Lenore Craig Hallen 2022-05-11 | A song for a 'special Aunt'.. Words and Music by Craig Hallen; Audio Mixing and Video Production/Editing by Ian Rushton;Original 'photo wall' video animation by Wendy Schollum; Lead Guitar and Drum Programming – Ian Rushton;Piano, Keyboard, Vocals and Rhythm Guitar – Craig Hallen;Produced and Arranged by Craig Hallen and Ian RushtonFrom the album 'Nothing Lasts Forever' - download song here: craighallen.bandcamp.comhttp://www.craighallenmusic.com
Audio Recording for Home Music Videos Craig Hallen 2022-04-26 | Info on how I record the audio for the YouTube music videos produced here in my home studio.
Teddy Bear - ELVIS Piano/Vocal cover Craig Hallen 2022-04-22 | One of Elvis' earlier songs - from 1957. Written by Kal Mann (who also co-wrote Chubby Checker's hit 'Let's Twist Again') and Bernie Lowe. The most fun you can have in under 2 minutes..Photo at the beginning was taken at Sun Studios, Memphis, and shows the actual mic Elvis used.
Medeli SP4200/201 - Design discussion, suggested improvements etc Craig Hallen 2022-04-09 | Discussion video on the Medeli SP4200, SP201 / Thomann SP-5600, DP-28 Plus keyboards, including known issues, possible solutions, and general ideas on improvements.Chapters:00:00 – Intro05:00 – Issue #1; Cracked solder joints07:48 – Issue #2; Broken keys10:44 – Issue #3; Rattling speaker grills12:49 – Issue #4; Broken power switch14:26 – Issue #5; Faulty power adaptor/cable length18:18 – Issue #6; USB port noise20:35 – Issue #7; Dust accumulation internally/Keybed assembly24:24 – Issue #8; Unclear labelling25:41 – Issue #9; Jog wheel location28:40 – Suggested enhancements/additions
Good Vibrations - Beach Boys cover (with backing track) Craig Hallen 2022-04-06 | Sending out some good vibes...Brian Wilson's musical masterpiece from 1966, put out as a single following the release of the Beach Boys' legendary Pet Sounds album a few months earlier. 'Good Vibrations' is a complex composition, starting off in Ebm and transitioning through several different key changes throughout the various sections. This goes well beyond the Verse/Chorus/Bridge structure of a typical pop song, by introducing other elements such as the 'Gotta keep those lovin' good, vibrations a hap-nin' with her' refrain at the end of the 'Bridge'. All of this goes to show how much of a genius Wilson is, who in spite of numerous challenges along the way, has endured and continues to write, record, perform and tour to this day.Good Vibrations - words & music by Brian Wilson/Mike Love
Everybody Needs Somebody To Love - Blues Brothers cover Craig Hallen 2022-03-25 | Written by Soloman Burke, Bert Berns & Jerry Wexler, from the 1980 film 'The Blues Brothers' starring John Belushi & Dan Aykroyd. The Blues Brothers got their start on Saturday Night Live, a clip of which can be viewed here, which highlights not only the musicianship of the band & Belushi's gritty singing, but also Aykroyd's keen dancing: youtube.com/watch?v=FTWH1FdkjowMy cover here is in the key of B, performed on the Medeli SP201 stage piano.
Rhythm Of The Rain - The Cascades (Recreated by Craig Hallen 2022) Craig Hallen 2022-03-22 | This is my musical re-imagining (backing track/piano/vocal recreation) of this classic song recorded by the Cascades, originally released in 1962. It was written by John Claude Gummoe, who also sang lead on the original recording. In my opinion this is the perfect pop song of the era, with a sublime melody and lyrics to match.
Louie Louie (The Kingsmen) - Keyboard/Vocal Cover Craig Hallen 2022-03-21 | 'Louie Louie' is a song written by Richard Berry back in 1955, and covered by The Kingsmen, whose hit rock n roll 1963 version is the most well-known.It is one of the most covered songs ever, with the iconic unintelligible vocals in The Kingsmen's version making the song the subject of controversy - owing to the lyrics supposedly being of a lurid nature. This was of course was not the case (I have purposely attempted to re-create that 'garbled' vocal delivery here, obscuring some of the words in the process).The original cause of this was mostly put down to the positioning of the vocal mic in the studio, which was apparently suspended from a high ceiling, and thus requiring Jack Ely to tilt his head back in order to try and sing in the direction of the mic - hence the 'Lou-way Lou-way' pronunciation etc. The apparent rawness of the sound was also due to the producer's idea to try and capture a 'live-sounding' performance, and as such the first and only take was the one that made it to vinyl. It should be noted that in subsequent live appearances, Jack Ely had been replaced by the band's original drummer Lynn Easton, who would mime the vocals originally sung by Ely. This practice was permanently suspended in the mid 60's following a lawsuit, and there is footage of Easton's own interpretation available to view on YouTube.
Do You Love Me? (Contours cover) Craig Hallen 2022-03-18 | More of that stuff from the isolated piano player.. This song was a hit for The Contours in both 1962 and 1988 - the latter chart success following its inclusion in the 1987 film 'Dirty Dancing'.
Whiskey In The Jar (Traditional Irish Folk Song) - Cover Craig Hallen 2022-03-17 | Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit! - Happy St Patrick's Day to you all!‘Whiskey in The Jar’ is a traditional Irish folk song, written circa 17th century, and brought into the mainstream by such bands as The Dubliners, Thin Lizzy and Metallica, who all did their own unique version of the song.It is the story of a highwayman in Ireland, who is betrayed by his woman, and subsequently caught/captured by the Captain Farrell whom he had robbed earlier. The ‘rapier’ mentioned in the song is a type of ‘thrusting’ sword which was popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. With its slender, sharp-pointed in design, it was the first true civilian sidearm. The traditional version of ‘Whiskey’ as performed in this video was popularised by The Dubliners, an Irish group founded in 1962, and who had a US hit with their recording of this song in 1968.The chords featured are, in order, D, Bm, G & D in the Verse, and A, D, G, D-A-D in the Chorus.
The Irish Rover - live cover version Craig Hallen 2022-03-16 | Saint Patrick's Day is the most widely celebrated festival in the world, and is named for St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who by the time of his death circa March 17, 461, had established monasteries, churches, and schools. Many legends surround him including the driving out of snakes from Ireland and the use of a shamrock leaf as a way of explaining the Christian Trinity to the pagan Irish.In more modern times the festival is celebrated over a pint (or a few) with friends, and of course the fun, party atmosphere of traditional Irish music. Many famous bands have come out of Ireland who encapsulated the folk tradition with their recordings and live performances.One such band is The Dubliners, who were active for 50 years, and known for their renditions of many famous tunes including ‘Whiskey In The Jar’, ‘The Irish Rover’ (with The Pogues), ‘Seven Drunken Nights’, and ‘The Wild Rover’. The band was centered around their two main vocalists – Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew; as of 2022 the only core member still alive is John Sheahan (born 1939), the ever enthusiastic fiddle player who joined the ground in 1964, 2 years after its inception.
The Bitch Is Back! Craig Hallen 2022-03-10 | Happy 75th birthday to Elton John this month - born 25 March, 1947.
Youre Going To Lose That Girl - Beatles COVER Craig Hallen 2022-03-04 | From the album/film 'Help!' - this song was written primarily by John Lennon, who sang lead on the original recording, with a voice that gained him further recognition because of his outstanding vocal performance. This is a classic example of how the Beatles' music and lyrics have stood the test of time - the words still sound fresh and original, without the cliches a listener might expect to hear in subsequent rhyming schemes. Their chord progressions were truly unique, and this song is no exception - in the key of E you would expect the III chord in the Verse to be a G# minor, but in fact they elect to go for a G# major here instead, so it has the effect of surprising the listener, and adds even more interest to the song.
I Fought The Law - Bobby Fuller Four COVER Craig Hallen 2022-03-04 | Always liked this song. Written by the brilliant Sonny Curtis of The Crickets (Buddy Holly) fame - see interview on YouTube here explaining the story behind the song: youtube.com/watch?v=8PYfVH5y7kg
Some impromptu piano mayhem.. Craig Hallen 2022-02-21 | Rock n Roll with a bit of energy - 'Johnny B. Goode' (written by Chuck Berry, released 1958).'I guess you guys aren't ready for that yet, but your kids are gonna love it' - Marty McFly in 'Back To The Future'
I Think Were Alone Now - Piano/Vocal Cover Craig Hallen 2022-02-09 | Written by American songwriter Ritchie Cordell, this song with its distinctive bass lick and unique sounding ondioline, was released by Tommy James and the Shondells in 1967, who also had follow up hits with 'Mony Mony' and 'Crimson and Clover', among others. Tommy James has said that the name 'Shondells' was just something that he felt had a musical sound to it, and that anything back then with 'ells' at the end was a possible name for a group! 'I Think We're Alone Now' got a revival in the 80's when American singer Tiffany recorded her version, and it was featured in the 2016 film '10 Cloverfield Lane' (starring John Goodman).
Medeli SP4200/Thomann SP-5600 - Headphone Jack Repair 2 Craig Hallen 2022-02-07 | Repair (soldering) of damaged headphone jack connection in the Medeli SP4200/Thomann SP-5600. Jump to 09:00 for an explanation of the headphone jack operation/features, and 10:35 for additional repairing of the cracked solder joint.craighallenmusic.com
Virtual Girl (2022) - Official Music Video Craig Hallen 2022-01-19 | A song for this ultra-fast high tech world.Originally released on the album 'Fact And Fantasy', and re-recorded for 2022.Song audio and download: craighallen.bandcamp.com/track/virtual-girlcraighallenmusic.com
Stop! In The Name Of Love (Supremes) - ORGAN accompaniment (with piano) Craig Hallen 2021-11-14 | Close up accompaniment performance of this Motown classic on the Roland VR-760 combo keyboard, together with piano accompaniment played on the Medeli SP201, with instrumental backing track included. Chord descriptions are embedded also for learning purposes; the organ harmonic bar settings are indicated at the beginning of the video. Note the famous organ glissando that leads into the song - I have replicated this throughout at the beginning of each Chorus phrase. There are some interesting chord combinations also - for example the Em/C in the first part of the Verse; this is often notated as a Em only, but the C note in the bass gives it a different flavour. This could also be read/played as a CMaj7 chord (which comprises C,E,G & B notes), but since I have omitted the C in the right hand, I am in fact really playing a Em, which comprises E,G & B only. In the case of the organ, I typically voice this with just the G & B notes in the right (with the C in the bass still). Also in the Verse you will see a G/B chord - again this could just as easily be played as a G only, but the B note in the bass provides some added texture. I think interesting bass lines via choice of bass notes/chord voicings can really make a song sound more exciting.All these chords apply to both the organ and piano, though the rhythmic structure of the piano obviously differs - see the embedded clip in the top right for reference. You can also keep track on the activation of the fast/slow rotary speaker effect during the song - see the 'FAST/SLOW' light in the centre of the screen that will flash accordingly. I am turning this on and off using the left hand foot switch pedal which you will be able to see at the base of the screen. There are no rules as to where or when this should be used, accept that it always sounds good in a Chorus section by livening the sound up and giving more energy to the organ with the added tremelo-type effect. This of course is designed to mimic the famous Leslie speaker that was used with the equally famous Hammond B3 organ in the 1960's by many great artists and bands of that era.'Stop! In The Name Of Love' is another Motown classic written by the brilliant trio Holland-Dozier-Holland, and once again brought to life by the equally brilliant Supremes - lead by the classy Diana Ross.See my other Motown video upload 'You Can't Hurry Love' for chord and piano directions associated with this great tune here: youtu.be/UpF4y6xK4KcHopefully YouTube won't flag this video or prevent it from being viewed as it took a while to put together, and is designed purely for free instruction purposes.
You Cant Hurry Love (Supremes) - Piano Accompaniment Craig Hallen 2021-11-06 | Close up 'tutorial' of the piano part for the famous Motown song 'You Can't Hurry Love' - featuring chord names and transitions, performed alongside karaoke backing track. The timing is interesting in this song; the bass/chord transitions in the Verse/Chorus vary within each of these sections - sometimes occurring on the 2nd beat, and sometimes on the 3rd, thus making it more interesting to listen to. If you pay attention to the timing of the lyrics, you will see that it is these (particularly in the verse) that are driving this change. In contrast, if you listen to Phil Collins' later cover of this song, these CORRESPONDING bass/chord transitions occur on beat '3' in the Verse, and on the 2'&' / beat 3 in the Chorus (depending on the line). E.g. In the line 'You can't hurry love, no you just have to wait', this faster transition in the Supremes' version occurs on the word 'TO' (beat 2 of bar 2), whereas in Collins' version, this change occurs on the word 'WAIT' (beat 2'&' of bar 2). This change on beat 2, in the original version, helps push the song along - gives it more drive and, ironically, a sense of urgency. Often people who cover the Supremes' version base their chord changes around Collins' remake; this might feel more natural - and certainly in the Chorus it does make more sense to change on the word 'WAIT', but I think this isn't doing the original the real justice it deserves. In fact, for a great cover of this, see this amazing performance by Foxes and Fossils: youtube.com/watch?v=EJDPhjQft04'You Can't Hurry Love' was written by the famous songwriting/production team Holland-Dozier-Holland, who were instrumental in the Motown sound of the 1960's. It became a signature song for the Supremes, who with 12 number one singles out of 66 releases, have gone on to be remembered as one of the greatest girl groups, if not the greatest girl group of all time.See my other Motown video upload 'Stop! In The Name Of Love' for instruction and a demo of how to play this great tune also - upload link: youtu.be/2AqDcbptZdM
Two for the price of one! Craig Hallen 2021-11-05 | Two songs for a Friday - 'Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa' (Burt Bacharach/Hal David - recorded by Gene Pitney in 1963) and 'Down In The Boondocks' (Joe South - recorded by Billy Joe Royal in 1965). Out of the names listed here, Burt Bacharach is the only one still alive, and at the age of 93 is still going strong in the music business. Interestingly, Joe South's composition 'Down In The Boondocks' is likely to have been intended as a song pitch to Gene Pitney. This makes sense since it is, as noted in the video here, in a similar style to Pitney's recording of 'Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa'.
Monster Mash (cover version) Craig Hallen 2021-10-30 | Piano/vocal cover of Bobby Pickett's 1962 novelty song 'Monster Mash'.Written by Bobby Pickett & Leonard Capizzi, and a popular song choice on All Hallows' Eve, the release of 'Monster Mash' coincided with dance crazes of the 60's including 'The Twist' & 'Mashed Potato', with Bobby Pickett's vocals being directly influenced by the voice of horror film actor Boris Karloff.
Ashton D26EQACA Dreadnought Guitar - UNBOXING Craig Hallen 2021-10-29 | Unboxing and first look at the Ashton D26EQACA Electric Acoustic Guitar.For more information, please follow this link:https://www.ashtonmusic.com.au/products/guitars/acoustic-electrics/ashton-d26eq-aca-dreadnought-eq-guitar
Stand By Me (song) - Recreated by Craig Hallen Craig Hallen 2021-10-19 | 'Stand By Me' - Based on the original 1961 version by Ben E. King; faithfully recreated here in 2021, 60 years on. One of my favourite tunes, the hardest part was transcribing the string melody, but I've tried to stay true to the original. This song was written by Ben E. King and the famous songwriting team Leiber/Stoller, and was given a new lease of life when it was featured in the movie 'Stand By Me' - 25 years after the song's initial release.
How to play Rock Around The Clock (Piano) Craig Hallen 2021-10-17 | Detailed instruction on how to play 'Rock Around The Clock' on the piano (in the key of G). This classic rock n roll song was written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers, with Bill Haley's initial recording being released in 1954. Chapters:00:00 - Instrumental Demo01:45 - General Overview02:40 - Intro Section04:37 - Verse Section15:44 - Solo(1) Section26:45 - Solo(2) Section31:50 - Outro Section35:12 - Full Demo (with vocals)Website: http://www.craighallenmusic.com
Winchester Cathedral (song) - Cover Craig Hallen 2021-10-13 | Cover version of the 1966 novelty song 'Winchester Cathedral' - written by English songwriter Geoff Stephens, and originally recorded by The New Vaudeville Band - the group he created.
True (Spandau Ballet) - Piano/Vocal cover, with backing track Craig Hallen 2021-10-09 | True was a 1983 hit for the English new wave band Spandau Ballet. It was written by their gifted song-writing member Gary Kemp, and sung by the vocally brilliant Tony Hadley. The song was released on the album of the same name, and together with 'Gold', became one of their signature songs.My cover of 'Gold' can be viewed here: youtu.be/4maAd4dUFLg
More Keyboard Repairs! (Medeli/Thomann) Craig Hallen 2021-09-28 | Fixing a broken key on the Medeli SP201/201 Plus / Thomann DP-28 Plus.Video demonstrates dismantling procedure and general information on the keyboard, as well as some general comparisons with the the SP4200 / SP-5600. http://www.craighallenmusic.com
This Ole House (Aint Gonna LEAVE This House No Longer) Craig Hallen 2021-09-25 | This Ole House - reimagined in 2021 by Craig Hallen. Based on the 1981 rock n roll version recorded by Welsh singer Shakin' Stevens. (Watch in HD; subtitles included).Excerpt from the Reader's Digest Country and Western Songbook: 'Stuart Hamblen's 1954 recording of "This Ole House" was a Top Ten country hit, but it was Rosemary Clooney's pop version that became a smash and brought Hamblen international fame as a songwriter. He wrote the song while on a hunting trip in the Sierra Nevada in California, where he stumbled on a remote prospector's shack. The old miner lay dead inside, but his loyal dog, despite the severe weather and near starvation, was still guarding the premises. Hamblen said he wrote "This Ole House" as the old prospector's epitaph'.New 'lockup' 2021 lyrics written and performed by Craig Hallen; piano, bass, percussion, and drum editing by Craig Hallen;Original drums performed by Sal D'Amato;Guitars and mixing by Ian Rushton.Video production and editing by Craig Hallen. http://www.craighallenmusic.comI do not own any rights to the original music and do not seek to profit from the version recorded here.
James Bond doesnt know which film he is in.. (A Spoof) Craig Hallen 2021-09-17 | The 'exshtremely shexy' James Bond faces death by skillet at the hands of the evil, honey-wielding villain Ernst Blofeld, and his dastardly cat. Watch in HD; English captions available.Music, filming and editing by Craig Hallen. http://www.craighallenmusic.comLyric credit also to Right Said Fred, and their song 'I'm Too Sexy'.Based on characters created by Ian Fleming.
Border Song - Elton John piano/vocal cover Craig Hallen 2021-09-07 | Deception, disconnection, alienation, lies, abuse, segregation - Border Song is a spiritual-sounding song that, for me at least, is very relatable in society as it exists at present; everything that is going on echoes a lot of the lines in this song - 'I have seen the spectre', 'I have been deceived', 'Going back to the border where my affairs ain't abused'.. etc. In a sense it is just about someone looking for their tribe, and wanting to escape a world that just isn't in line with their values. An early song by Elton John & Bernie Taupin; this one helped pave the way for all the hits that were to follow.
Sweet Transvestite - Rocky Horror cover (Live Piano/Vocal & Backing Track) Craig Hallen 2021-09-05 | How'd you do, I.. 'Sweet Transvestite' - Written by Richard O'Brien (the genius behind the Rocky Horror Picture Show) and originally performed by the great Tim Curry. Richard O'Brien (born in England, grew up in NZ, now living here permanently) wrote some great music, featuring clever chord progressions backed up by some very original lyrics.
Some more rock n roll.. Craig Hallen 2021-09-01 | 'Shake, Rattle and Roll' - in F. This is a cover based on the popular version released by Bill Haley & His Comets in 1954. Written by Jesse Stone (aka Charles Calhoun), the original version was recorded that same year by Big Joe Turner. The term 'Shake, Rattle and Roll' is a gambling reference, though lyrically & thematically, this song is not about that at all!
Holding On - Craig Hallen ORIGINAL rock/pop Craig Hallen 2021-08-29 | Words & Music © 2012, 2021 Craig Hallen. Audio re-recorded/re-mixed & video produced/edited by Craig Hallen - August 2021. Guitars performed by Ian Rushton; Drums by Sal D'Amato.Originally released on the album 'Fact And Fantasy', and re-recorded for 2021.Song audio and download: craighallen.bandcamp.com/track/holding-oncraighallenmusic.com
Wake Up Little Susie (a tribute to The Everly Brothers) Craig Hallen 2021-08-23 | In memory of Don Everly (Feb 1, 1937-Aug 21, 2021), this is a song that he and his late brother Phil Everly (Jan 19, 1939-Jan 03, 2014) recorded and released in 1957. It was written by the husband & wife songwriting duo Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, who were the force behind several of the Everly Brothers' hits. The Everly Brothers themselves composed the song 'Cathy's Clown' (though since credited to Don Everly) which turned out to be their biggest hit. With their signature acoustic guitars and blended vocals they were a major influence in early rock n roll.
