Digital Underground/Shock G/Solo Piano Group - Piano Man Series -
Shock G of digitial underground's lesser-known moniker, “The Piano Man”, took his first steps into the spotlight in 2016 with these solo piano sessions mixing sophisticated Ellington-tinged jazz with his trademark joyful hip-hop sensibility. Not unlike the legendary recordings of Bluesman Robert Johnson, they took place in a hotel room with nothing but a piano and an engineer to capture the magic. These would be the last formal recordings by this brilliant musician before his passing in April 2021. It is with great honor that we present Solo Piano Group featuring digital underground’s Shock G, "The Piano Man".
"The Piano Man Blues" - In a free flowing creative state, Shock G channels influences such as Ray Charles, Thelonius Monk and even a touch of fellow bay area maestro Sly Stone with this original blues improvisation.
“Willow Weep For Me” showcases Shock G’s pianistic dexterity, evoking the nostalgic atmosphere of hotel piano bars where he was notorious for holding impromptu performances. Recorded by artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Nina Simone, “Willow We For Me”, was written in 1932 by Ann Ronell, an artist who, like Shock G, was an innovator and outlier among her peers.
“Round Midnight” is a heartfelt tribute to one of Shock G’s pianistic influences, Thelonius Monk. Shock G’s distinctive approach and deft familiarity with the song truly shines. His playful interpretation rivals that any version of this jazz standard.
"To Zion (Radio Edit)" is an inspired instrumental cover of the Lauryn Hill classic “To Zion” from the award-winning 1998 album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Don't miss out on The Piano Man - Limited Edition Vinyl - includes never-before-seen artwork from Shock G. (aka Rackadelic) and liner notes from Shock G's mother, father and Funk Legend George Clinton.