blues key

[mayfieldda]

all of the otis spann is in A. Is this just your preference (if so why) or it is his characteristic signature. If it is the latter, why is that, rather than some other key like say C?

[rhythmsong]

I'm curious about this as well. I've also wondered if Willie has a preference for B flat, as a series of lessons are in that key, which is nice because you can play them as an extended solo piece!

[wmyette]

A great question. It is easy, that was the key the Otis was playing in on the recording that I had of him. ;)

You will find though that certain players have a preference for a key. I personally like E flat.

Also certain keys just 'fit' better on the piano. Of course, singers too have their keys based upon their range, and some pianists like keys like 'C' due to the lack of flats/sharps

[sbohringer]

Were you joking about liking the key of E flat?

[spannfan]

Chopin felt that the key of B fit best in the hand and started his students with that key, course he didn't play blues, but according to bill Evans he played jazz due to his improvisation, which was common with classical musicians for hundreds of years.