Josh Charles knows a thing or two about New Orleans-style stride, boogie, and gospel piano playing. He should--at 13 years of age, he approached the legendary Dr. John and asked to be his student. After hearing what the young Josh was already able to do, Dr. John took him on, starting him on a lifelong journey of musical discovery. As if that wasn't enough, Josh also absorbed jazz influences by studying with Barry Harris, whose name is virtually synonymous with bebop.

In this extended, nine-part video interview, Josh and Keyboard executive editor Stephen Fortner discuss everything from how Josh met Dr. John to the personal style of music Josh calls "Notown"--NoLa meets Motown. Along the way, they explain and explore essential New Orleans techniques, and dissect both classic tunes and originals from Josh's new album Love, Work, & Money.

With a genre as complex as New Orleans piano, it's no small feat to combine the kind of accessibility and pop appeal that sells records with true reverence and deep scholarship of the music's roots and iconic players. Josh Charles has done one hell of a job in this regard, and we expect to be hearing a lot more from him in the near future.

For tour dates, sample songs from the album, and more info, visit www.joshcharlesmusic.com

Keyboard extends special thanks to San Francisco-based piano retailer Sherman Clay, who offered us the space and the nine-foot Steinway to shoot these videos. This particular piano was once a rental unit for concert halls, and happened to be a favorite of Arthur Rubinstein!

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