Topic: Erwin Helfer - Blues Piano

[Old Man Ned]

Has anyone come across the book on blues piano by Erwin Helfer. I think it's called 'Blues Piano and How to Play it'. I've looked in the usual places and on his record label, Siren records but can't see it anywhere.
All the best,
Ned

[Stuart]

Hi Ned:

I checked WorldCat and this came up:

https://www.worldcat.org/title/blues-piano-and-how-to-play-it/oclc/30412092

It looks like it's his M.A. thesis at Northeastern Illinois University. I looked through the list that came up when I searched using his name and didn't see anything that might be a book based on his thesis. Perhaps you could contact him and ask if he can make you a copy.

[Old Man Ned]

Thanks Stuart, I heard from Erwin at the start of this year and he mentioned the book then. I was under the impression that it was a published book. I'll get back in touch as you suggest. Thanks for your help.
All the Best,
Ned

[Blues Vintage]

You can purchase the book right here (The Sirens Records);

https://www.thesirensrecords.com/products/erwin-helfer-blues-piano-and-how-to-play-it-SR4001desc.html


Posted by Down Beat on march 29; 'Erwin Helfer Resurfaces with New CD, Instructional Book'

https://downbeat.com/news/detail/erwin-helfer-resurfaces-with-new-cd-instructional-book

[Old Man Ned]

Thanks Blues Vintage, that's great. Just ordered a copy.
All the Best,
Ned

[Stuart]

Thank you, Blues Vintage. I'm not a piano player, but his long life in music is very interesting. It was upsetting to read in the Downbeat piece about how covid, the lock down and isolation affected him so adversely. I'm glad that he has recovered and is getting back to his pre-lock down routine. Significant human interaction is very important and very necessary. He has a lot to offer.

[Blues Vintage]

Being a blues piano aficionado, I ordered the book too.
Price; 20 dollars (including shipping and handling to Europe) if you pay with PayPal.
Quite a steal if you ask me, although I haven't read the book yet, I'll bet it's worth every penny.

It seems like it's the only place to buy this book. I wonder if the Sirens record company brings it to the likes of Amazon or something. I think they can sell a lot more copies.
Well, while typing that I think it's better to keep this document exclusive for the dyed-in-the-wool blues community.

[Stuart]

I read the "About" page at The Sirens Records site and found it quite interesting--and I can understand why Steven Dolins has chosen to keep its operations limited.

https://www.thesirensrecords.com/AboutUs.html