Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at my isolated piano part for Big Ole Blue Moon—a vintage swing-blues ballad that I recently recorded with Chris Missen for his upcoming 2025 album.

This one has a very different energy from the more minimalist tracks I’ve shared previously—especially the other jazz-blues ballad from the album, A Shade of Blue. While it’s still slow and bluesy at its core, the piano is much more active—there’s stride-style left hand, bluesy fills, and a good dose of rhythmic bounce throughout.

The style lands somewhere between early jazz ballad and classic swing-blues, with hints of Fats Waller and Ray Charles in my piano playing and a clarinet solo reminiscent of Acker Bilk’s Stranger on the Shore. It’s expressive, slightly playful, and full of old-school charm.

I always find it revealing to hear piano parts in isolation—how the groove, movement, and voicing carry the mood on their own. Once the full track is released, I’ll link it here so you can hear how it fits into the full arrangement.

Listening to isolated piano parts from other players was invaluable in my own musical development, so I hope this offers something educational as well as interesting.

🎹 Interested in learning how to play or create piano parts like this? I offer customised lessons that focus on real-world musicianship—from playing in different popular styles and improvisation to songwriting and arranging. Contact me to find out more or book a free consultation.

Music & lyrics by Chris Missen

Piano part composed and performed by Lisha Kayrooz

🎧 More isolated piano performances from this album are on the way—each one offering a different window into the arrangement behind the music.