Alongside a glittering session career including David Byrne, Paul Weller, Ray Davies, Paloma Faith and Morcheeba, pianist and songwriter Dom Pipkin is “one of the world’s greatest exponents of New Orleans piano” says Blues in Britain Magazine. Pipkin delivers the most compelling, authentic take on this highly infectious, life-affirming blend of blues, gospel, street, jazz that’s uniquely New Orleans, with fans including Jonathan Ross, Hugh Laurie, David Arnold and Jamie Cullum.
‘Tales of New Orleans at the Piano’ is a rollercoaster ride through the rich world of New Orleans, featuring astonishing stories of love, loss and tragedy, brought to life with breathtaking virtuoso piano from acclaimed pianist, entertainer and documentarian, Dom Pipkin. This show is touring the UK and Europe, selling out in London’s West End (Phoenix Artists’ Club), with immediate repeat bookings.
Pipkin is a jazz club and festival favourite, but he has created this show especially for jazz beginners and connoisseurs alike. New Orleans jazz is extremely accessible, with catchy tunes and witty lyrics, allowing his virtuoso solos and authentic grooves to shine. Pipkin is a stalwart entertainer and raconteur, weaving the stories of the music and characters behind it, between heartbreaking and uplifting songs from the 1920s to the present day, mixing in his own compelling songwriting.
Pipkin is a resident at London’s fabled Ronnie Scott’s, and is a regular fixture on the European blues and boogie-woogie festival circuit, having played thousands of club and theatre, radio and TV dates in a career spanning nearly three decades. He first discovered the New Orleans style in the early 90s, and has gone on to become a regular visitor and performer in the city, with appearances that include the highly acclaimed ‘Piano Night’ and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival. Pipkin regularly performs and records in New Orleans, sharing stages with legends such as Allen Toussaint , Dr John and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. Grammy award winner, Jon Cleary, invites him to jam whenever he’s in town, and Jazz star, Jamie Cullum, says “I can’t hold a candle to this guy, he’s a great piano player”.
Not just a performer, Pipkin is a world-renowned authority on New Orleans music. He has presented documentaries on BBC Radio, Jazz FM; he is a columnist for Blues Matters UK, and is constantly in demand as a historical consultant for film and television. On the big screen, Pipkin appears in the new Netflix thriller, Black Doves (Dec 2024), and A Thousand Blows by the creators of Peaky Blinders (Feb 2025), and he can be seen jamming boogie-woogie with king of Mandopop, Jay Chou, in the latest Rimowa commercial.
Pipkin developed a particular specialisation for the unique flavours of maverick New Orleans piano star, James Booker, (1939 – 1983) capturing the player’s trademark combination of driving blues married with rhapsodic classical influences. He was invited to play at the world premiere of the documentary ‘Bayou Maharajah’ at SXSW in 2014, and at multiple subsequent screenings of the film.
‘Tales of New Orleans at the Piano’ combines Pipkin’s virtuoso piano, showmanship, and deep knowledge and understanding of New Orleans history and culture. He has created an accessible, informative, and above all, highly entertaining evening, suitable for all ages and experiences.
Catch Dom Pipkin at the Kitchen Garden Café on Sunday 4th May, from 7.30pm onwards: click here to book your ticket!
