Award-Winning Pianist Eden Brent Embraces Legacy Of Mentor And Delta Blues Legend Boogaloo Ames
United States
English
June 10, 2010 — Eden Brent and Abie “Boogaloo” Ames made an unlikely duo. On the surface, the young white woman and elderly black man seemed to have nothing in common, but underneath Brent and Ames shared a deep-seated passion for Delta music and their hometown of Greenville, Mississippi. Boogaloo Ames, the legendary delta blues pianist known for his signature sound and larger-than-life personality, bestowed the nickname of “Little Boogaloo” upon Brent after a 16-year apprenticeship. On her new record ‘Ain’t Got No Troubles” (9/7, Yellow Dog Records), the piano protégée proves she has earned every bit of her new title.
“He loved me like I was his own daughter and in addition to teaching me how to play like him, he taught me that music has a special way of bringing people together,” Brent said. A classically trained pianist, Brent learned Ames’ boogie-woogie style after she received a degree in music from the University of North Texas. Over time, Brent became Ames’ manager, performing partner and lifelong friend. In May Brent received the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year award from the Blues Foundation and dedicated it to Boogaloo.
“Boogaloo came from the generation of piano players who could play anything,” Brent pointed out. That influence is reflected on ‘Ain’t Got No Troubles,’ Brent’s upcoming album, which seamlessly blends blues, pop, soul and jazz. She plays her instrument with a panache and fire that befits Ames’ legacy. The Wall Street Journal has called Brent “a force to reckon with...aggressive, sultry, hot and cool.”
Footage from “Sustaining the Sound” a documentary on Bent and Ames’ unique relationship: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PMriVkum1o
“He loved me like I was his own daughter and in addition to teaching me how to play like him, he taught me that music has a special way of bringing people together,” Brent said. A classically trained pianist, Brent learned Ames’ boogie-woogie style after she received a degree in music from the University of North Texas. Over time, Brent became Ames’ manager, performing partner and lifelong friend. In May Brent received the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year award from the Blues Foundation and dedicated it to Boogaloo.
“Boogaloo came from the generation of piano players who could play anything,” Brent pointed out. That influence is reflected on ‘Ain’t Got No Troubles,’ Brent’s upcoming album, which seamlessly blends blues, pop, soul and jazz. She plays her instrument with a panache and fire that befits Ames’ legacy. The Wall Street Journal has called Brent “a force to reckon with...aggressive, sultry, hot and cool.”
Footage from “Sustaining the Sound” a documentary on Bent and Ames’ unique relationship: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PMriVkum1o
