Henri Herbert - Red Hot Boogie & Deep Blues Piano
Biography
Henri was born in Harfleur, France, in 1985. From an early age he developed a passion for rock n roll and boogie woogie piano, being initially inspired by Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and Little Richard. He would spend hours every day studying their records and copying their solos. Later he discovered the recordings of boogie masters Albert Ammons, Meade Lux Lewis and Pete Johnson. The heavier, rolling beat of these guys inspired him even further. Henri also has a deep love of country music, and has been greatly inspired by country artists Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, as well as Jerry Lee Lewis in country mode.Henri played his first gig aged 16 at his school in Colchester, Essex. The young pianist was amazed by the way in which people crowded round the piano as he played. This was followed by a stint busking in the South of France with a company of travelling street performers called "La Rumeur", where audiences in the street reacted in an equally enthusiastic fashion. It was at this moment that Henri decided to make music, specifically the blues, the main focus of his life. At age 17 he began a two-year residency at Harry's Bar, Colchester. Special guest slots at the 100 Club with The Jive Aces and the Ben Waters Band followed this, as well as a support set for swing band The Ding Dong Daddios. It was here that Henri met the great Diz Watson, who introduced him to the infectious rhythmic styles of James Booker and Professor Longhair. It was also at around this time that Henri discovered the deep blues of pianists Otis Spann, Memphis Slim, Roosevelt Sykes and his personal favourite, Champion Jack Dupree.
When he moved to Nottingham in 2003, Henri became a regular at the Wednesday night blues jam at the Running Horse, run by Colin Staples. It was here that Henri learned how to be a band player as well as a soloist and in 2005 he was awarded the "Dog's Bollocks keyboardist of the year". Henri also became a regular at the The Pokey Hole, Netherseal, where he sold 42 albums at his first gig.
Over the past three years Henri has shared the stage with, among others, Dr Feelgood, Stan Webb, the Ian Siegal Band, Neville Dickie, Ainsley Lister and Glen Tilbrook. Henri currently performs solo, and also in a duo with singer-guitarist and harmonica player Colin Staples. He has produced one solo CD entitled Boogie Woogie, and one CD with Colin Staples entitled Something Boogie, Something Blue. He is currently working on a second solo CD. Henri also works extensively as a band pianist on the UK and European Blues and Rock n Roll circuits. He plays with Laura B and The Moonlighters, The Cadillac Kings and Big Mamma's Door. He also occasionally performs solo at the UK Boogie Woogie Club in Sturminster Newton, and this year will perform a solo set at the UK Boogie Woogie Festival. Now living in South London, Henri has recently joined London-based band THE FALLEN HEROES. Come along to the Blue Posts, Rupert Street in Picadilly where they play every Sunday 4pm-8pm.
Over the past three years Henri has shared the stage with, among others, Dr Feelgood, Stan Webb, the Ian Siegal Band, Neville Dickie, Ainsley Lister and Glen Tilbrook. Henri currently performs solo, and also in a duo with singer-guitarist and harmonica player Colin Staples. He has produced one solo CD entitled Boogie Woogie, and one CD with Colin Staples entitled Something Boogie, Something Blue. He is currently working on a second solo CD. Henri also works extensively as a band pianist on the UK and European Blues and Rock n Roll circuits. He plays with Laura B and The Moonlighters, The Cadillac Kings and Big Mamma's Door. He also occasionally performs solo at the UK Boogie Woogie Club in Sturminster Newton, and this year will perform a solo set at the UK Boogie Woogie Festival. Now living in South London, Henri has recently joined London-based band THE FALLEN HEROES. Come along to the Blue Posts, Rupert Street in Picadilly where they play every Sunday 4pm-8pm.