Many thanks for doing this,,,, I've loved Rc and the Piano ever since hearing this as 45 mum played very often, on our Radiogram , when i was a kid, back in 1972.
its a gr8 version, and lovley to see it being played too. brings back memories of old family days, .... wonderfull.......
@newsnetuk Russ 1959 record had Roulette in A flat, A, B flat and finally G. In the 1966 re-make he started it in G, I think, and then went through the above progression. I just couldn't be bothered with more than three choruses!
@cefinow Thank you! I'm delighted that you like it. I always feel frustrated when I listen to Russ's recordings and realise how much of a gap remains between what he could do and what I've struggled with all my life. It's good to hear of people who have only just come across Russ's music and found it of interest. He didn't succeed in penetrating the American market - so many home-grown ragtime, stride and honky-tonk pianists there already, perhaps.
Although the Russ Conway Appreciation Society has gone into abeyance, the russconway website has really taken off and is a superb tribute to Russ's career. It continues to be updated as material becomes available, and I commend it to all Conway enthusiasts everywhere.
@phantom0621 Thank you! There's a new posting by Jack Gibbons of me playing 'Side Saddle' at the end of one of his Gershwin recitals. You should be able to find it by searching on Mike Thomson Side Saddle. Best wishes, Mike
I started playing aged 8, 27 yrs ago! I learnt from a Mrs Mills type lady, proper old school. I can always remember one guy that used to go to her lesson's (Mrs Challis) called Colin. He'd play all the old rag greats but when he played Roulette I used to sit there and I sware my jaw used to hit the floor. How I used to dream I could play this tune! In fact, I've got to learn this... My only flaw is a terrible left hand... Any tips Mike? Cheers Alan
@mrpfct Slow practice is the conventional advice and it's the most effective way of dealing with difficulties on the piano. Stretch your left hand as you play the back-tenth.
Also, memorise your left hand notes so you can watch the keyboard as you practice (slowly). You should only need to keep an eye on the tenor region, so that your thumb can hit the right note for the upper note of the back-tenth. Thereafter, you should find that the bass note is easy to locate with your outstretched hand.
Thank you! Yes, Mark and Lard, as I understand the duo were known, used Roulette in either the 1959 or 1966 versions. They used to refer to Russ as the "Conmeister"! Russ produced a special version of Roulette called Roulette 2000 in response to this renewed interest, I believe, but it was not released commercially. It's interesting, but I still prefer the unique and remarkable timbre and playing of the original. Russ can be seen playing it in the film "A Weekend with Lulu". Regards, Mike
Thank you to everyone who has made such very kind and much appreciated comments. I'm pleased to think that this style of music and these compositions can still give pleasure 50 years later. I will upload more videos. All the best, Mike.
Mike, Russ is my favourite pianist aside from Winnie Atwell and I have got all of their original singles. I am amazed at how similar your performances are - a joy to hear. Thank you so much for posting on you-tube.
Hallo Mike I listen to you recording on U tube it give me back the real Russ Conway sound of the 50 ties'and so on . I have a lot of recordings from that period and still look on E bay for more . I play also the piano and and have never had a lesson the piano is also
wonderful performance!! I wish I had the score with me! but its at my parents house and i dont have a piano here :( i hope one day i can play it as well as yourself, thanks very much for posting! 5 stars from me!
Roulette was the first piece of Russ Conway sheet music I ever had, and it gave useful clues as to how he played. In all Russ's compositions the published sheet music was inadequate and I had to listen to the records to figure it out and then play it by ear. Then you use them in other pieces. Even yet I don't play exactly the same notes as Russ did, but it's as near as I'm likely to get at this late stage and I just enjoy playing his compositions!
That was class. I can play a bit of piano and used to be able to read music. I have an electronic Technics keyboard which I can play by ear, but I could never hope to play Roulette, or Side Saddle which is another great. I wish I could. That was really good. Russ Conway was great and so are you.
Thank you for your most kind remarks. I've recently been listening to Russ playing 'Roulette' in the 1961 film 'A Weekend with Lulu', and realised for the umpteenth time that despite all my efforts I'm still lagging behind by some considerable margin!
performed superbly Mike l remember when you performed at Russ's tribute at the Colston Hall and l was in my dressing room l heard you playing during the band call and it sent shivers through me ! it was if Russ had returned...
I'm sorry, James, but it's one I haven't written out, mainly because the third chorus (in A) in the published sheet music outlines the basic technique. It needs, according to my ears at anyrate, a little modification and some additions to the right hand, but at least the mechanics of the left hand are notated. If you work on that third chorus (equivalent to my 1st chorus) and translate the techniques to the others, you're nearly there! Let me know if you'd like further help. Regards, Mike
I thought at first this was a con - must be miming..... then realised it's for real. Amazing. Not easy to play, this one. Good fidelity, too. It's like Russ's version but minus the d/b and drums
Thank you for your kind remarks. In the absence of (and even with) bass & drums it's all to easy to play too fast or to speed up, and that doesn't make the piece any easier (Russ told me he had the same problem - but I guess he could always ensure he had accompaniment in his shows). Regarding miming to that sort of music - I actually think it would be harder to mime it than just to play it in the first place! Best wishes, Mike
what a fabulous piece of music, and fantasticly played, well done mike, i wish i could play the piano, i am hopeless, just too frustrating for me, wish i could play though.!!!(5 stars)
For Roulette the best bet is to keep an eye on eBay, as sheet music appears from time to time. The published version of Roulette gave good clues as to how it should be played, but most of the others were over-simplified. I have written out my own arrangements of some of these, and would be happy to share them.
This one's great too. Key changes superb. What's the trick to the left hand descending all the time? Must take some getting used to. Let me know if you ever give a concert in Essex.
Many thanks for doing this,,,, I've loved Rc and the Piano ever since hearing this as 45 mum played very often, on our Radiogram , when i was a kid, back in 1972.
its a gr8 version, and lovley to see it being played too. brings back memories of old family days, .... wonderfull.......
NylonShorts4x6whacks 4 weeks ago
Mike plays this even faster that Russ did - and I think a semitone higher. But it's all there and those chromatic runs are flawless. Great Job
newsnetuk 3 months ago
@newsnetuk Russ 1959 record had Roulette in A flat, A, B flat and finally G. In the 1966 re-make he started it in G, I think, and then went through the above progression. I just couldn't be bothered with more than three choruses!
honkytonkpiano 3 months ago
@cefinow Thank you! I'm delighted that you like it. I always feel frustrated when I listen to Russ's recordings and realise how much of a gap remains between what he could do and what I've struggled with all my life. It's good to hear of people who have only just come across Russ's music and found it of interest. He didn't succeed in penetrating the American market - so many home-grown ragtime, stride and honky-tonk pianists there already, perhaps.
honkytonkpiano 1 year ago
Although the Russ Conway Appreciation Society has gone into abeyance, the russconway website has really taken off and is a superb tribute to Russ's career. It continues to be updated as material becomes available, and I commend it to all Conway enthusiasts everywhere.
honkytonkpiano 1 year ago
Wow ! Brilliant ! I am green with envy at your talent...... Thank you, a real pleasure to listen too.
ladalout76 1 year ago
Fantastic - well done. Would love to see you play Side Saddle too!
phantom0621 1 year ago
@phantom0621 Thank you! There's a new posting by Jack Gibbons of me playing 'Side Saddle' at the end of one of his Gershwin recitals. You should be able to find it by searching on Mike Thomson Side Saddle. Best wishes, Mike
honkytonkpiano 1 year ago
i do believe that sounds like my aussie friend mike playing that lol
dracula0091 1 year ago
@dracula0091 I'll take that as a compliment, then!
honkytonkpiano 1 year ago
check out mike woollette he is brilliant
dracula0091 1 year ago
@dracula0091 He is indeed, and I'm one of his subscribers.
Cheers,
another Mike!
honkytonkpiano 1 year ago
I started playing aged 8, 27 yrs ago! I learnt from a Mrs Mills type lady, proper old school. I can always remember one guy that used to go to her lesson's (Mrs Challis) called Colin. He'd play all the old rag greats but when he played Roulette I used to sit there and I sware my jaw used to hit the floor. How I used to dream I could play this tune! In fact, I've got to learn this... My only flaw is a terrible left hand... Any tips Mike? Cheers Alan
mrpfct 1 year ago
@mrpfct Slow practice is the conventional advice and it's the most effective way of dealing with difficulties on the piano. Stretch your left hand as you play the back-tenth.
Cheers, Mike
honkytonkpiano 1 year ago
Also, memorise your left hand notes so you can watch the keyboard as you practice (slowly). You should only need to keep an eye on the tenor region, so that your thumb can hit the right note for the upper note of the back-tenth. Thereafter, you should find that the bass note is easy to locate with your outstretched hand.
honkytonkpiano 1 year ago
Man and musical instrument at one with each other, great listening Mike, I'll take this opportunity to wish you a very happy new year.
mswinman 2 years ago
you are fantastiiiic!!!!!!! how long you been playing? do you have any cd's?
tydonthil 2 years ago
I've been playing since I started piano lessons at the age of 7 - rather a long time ago!
I do have a CD with a number of Russ Conway tunes on it played on a real honky-tonk piano.
Cheers, Mike
honkytonkpiano 2 years ago
Treeebloodymendous!
acheface 2 years ago
wow hes my inspiration thanks for uploading :D
1lunalight 2 years ago
this is awesome.
mark radcliffe and marc riley used to use it as background music on their radio 1 show and always spoke about russ conway.
love it, well done.
dball111 2 years ago
Thank you! Yes, Mark and Lard, as I understand the duo were known, used Roulette in either the 1959 or 1966 versions. They used to refer to Russ as the "Conmeister"! Russ produced a special version of Roulette called Roulette 2000 in response to this renewed interest, I believe, but it was not released commercially. It's interesting, but I still prefer the unique and remarkable timbre and playing of the original. Russ can be seen playing it in the film "A Weekend with Lulu". Regards, Mike
honkytonkpiano 2 years ago
thank you for the extra information, i will check out "A Weekend with Lulu" for 'The Conmeister'
dball111 2 years ago
Amazing:)
apebyen 2 years ago
hahah AMAZING:) WHAT THE HELL:) its SUPERB GREAT:)
isjet 2 years ago
Wonderful performance, you really capture the spirit of this piece. Great to hear this music being performed and kept alive.
bsam20uk 2 years ago
Nice:)
isjet 2 years ago
wtf? nice:) hehe ;D
apebyen 2 years ago
Excellent interpretation:-) Thanks.
DSVOP 2 years ago
Dear Mike,
evertime I listen to this great performance it makes me happy! Thanks a lot... I hope one day you upload more gems...
best regards and wishes,
Lilly
LillyC68 2 years ago
Thank you to everyone who has made such very kind and much appreciated comments. I'm pleased to think that this style of music and these compositions can still give pleasure 50 years later. I will upload more videos. All the best, Mike.
honkytonkpiano 2 years ago
I have great love for Russ conway music as I remember my step-mum Elsie Joanes with love also, she loved his music.
kernowpisky 2 years ago
I love it..........whoa.....I really love him playing.......he is great.......Thanks for this wonderful sharing.
nancyfloressantos 2 years ago
amazing playing, cant seem to find your website though Mike.
mswinman 2 years ago
Mike, Russ is my favourite pianist aside from Winnie Atwell and I have got all of their original singles. I am amazed at how similar your performances are - a joy to hear. Thank you so much for posting on you-tube.
IVORIESMAN 2 years ago
Take the sky with all the stars for this and not a single one less ! Lea
Lealu39 2 years ago
I'm running out of stars.... :)) You're gorgeous!
Thanks a lot!
Lilly
LillyC68 2 years ago
Mike , I cant get enough of this , gotta see you in concert , please give dates
gerladiant 3 years ago
well done
Jimpsterz 3 years ago
Ah, 'Uncle Mac' where are you?.........
Factnotfictionpeople 3 years ago
This is great!
marksbrisby 3 years ago
Mike, it was a honour and a privilege to listen to your beautiful rendition, thank you.
matrixsenior 3 years ago
Hallo Mike I listen to you recording on U tube it give me back the real Russ Conway sound of the 50 ties'and so on . I have a lot of recordings from that period and still look on E bay for more . I play also the piano and and have never had a lesson the piano is also
honky tonk tuned.Tahnks for doing this Jules
am 65 years now and still a great fan of him
in Holland greatings Jules
suffbagrub 3 years ago
wonderful performance!! I wish I had the score with me! but its at my parents house and i dont have a piano here :( i hope one day i can play it as well as yourself, thanks very much for posting! 5 stars from me!
animesis 3 years ago
do you play that by ear or have you learned it?
AGD1504 3 years ago
Roulette was the first piece of Russ Conway sheet music I ever had, and it gave useful clues as to how he played. In all Russ's compositions the published sheet music was inadequate and I had to listen to the records to figure it out and then play it by ear. Then you use them in other pieces. Even yet I don't play exactly the same notes as Russ did, but it's as near as I'm likely to get at this late stage and I just enjoy playing his compositions!
Best regards, Mike
honkytonkpiano 3 years ago
Incredible
login5493 3 years ago 2
Cracking good stuff. Takes me right back to my childhood.
acheface 3 years ago 2
I couldn't agree more. Bravo!
unclealister 3 years ago
That was class. I can play a bit of piano and used to be able to read music. I have an electronic Technics keyboard which I can play by ear, but I could never hope to play Roulette, or Side Saddle which is another great. I wish I could. That was really good. Russ Conway was great and so are you.
grahamcoo 3 years ago
Thank you for your most kind remarks. I've recently been listening to Russ playing 'Roulette' in the 1961 film 'A Weekend with Lulu', and realised for the umpteenth time that despite all my efforts I'm still lagging behind by some considerable margin!
honkytonkpiano 3 years ago
performed superbly Mike l remember when you performed at Russ's tribute at the Colston Hall and l was in my dressing room l heard you playing during the band call and it sent shivers through me ! it was if Russ had returned...
richardhope 3 years ago
Thank you, Richard. Wouldn't it be great to do another tribute concert to Russ? He surely deserves it.
honkytonkpiano 3 years ago
I'm sorry, James, but it's one I haven't written out, mainly because the third chorus (in A) in the published sheet music outlines the basic technique. It needs, according to my ears at anyrate, a little modification and some additions to the right hand, but at least the mechanics of the left hand are notated. If you work on that third chorus (equivalent to my 1st chorus) and translate the techniques to the others, you're nearly there! Let me know if you'd like further help. Regards, Mike
honkytonkpiano 3 years ago
I thought at first this was a con - must be miming..... then realised it's for real. Amazing. Not easy to play, this one. Good fidelity, too. It's like Russ's version but minus the d/b and drums
throovest 3 years ago
Thank you for your kind remarks. In the absence of (and even with) bass & drums it's all to easy to play too fast or to speed up, and that doesn't make the piece any easier (Russ told me he had the same problem - but I guess he could always ensure he had accompaniment in his shows). Regarding miming to that sort of music - I actually think it would be harder to mime it than just to play it in the first place! Best wishes, Mike
honkytonkpiano 3 years ago
Not an easy piece to play. Very well done!
stgxf04 3 years ago
Brilliant!!!!!!
sypy77 3 years ago
what a fabulous piece of music, and fantasticly played, well done mike, i wish i could play the piano, i am hopeless, just too frustrating for me, wish i could play though.!!!(5 stars)
janet290756 3 years ago
Waow Cool!
Maddess111 3 years ago
For Roulette the best bet is to keep an eye on eBay, as sheet music appears from time to time. The published version of Roulette gave good clues as to how it should be played, but most of the others were over-simplified. I have written out my own arrangements of some of these, and would be happy to share them.
honkytonkpiano 4 years ago
im sure 100s have asked, but does anyone have any idea where i could get the music for this song?
or more russ comway?
thanks!
adamsfilm 4 years ago
This one's great too. Key changes superb. What's the trick to the left hand descending all the time? Must take some getting used to. Let me know if you ever give a concert in Essex.
scotz74 4 years ago
Sounds just like Russ Conway. Excellent playing which brings back so many happy memories. :)
JamesMorganLondon 4 years ago
Was it really 1959 Mike, just seems like yesterday to me. Thanks for the time warp, it was great!
alanbass4u 4 years ago
Brought happy memories for me Mike working with Russ .. sadly missed Richard
richardhope 4 years ago