Wayward Q&A: Crackin’ Nuts with Shinetop Jr.

Shinetop Jr. has the market cornered on blues piano in this city.

The KC native, a.k.a. Mike Sedovic, who occasionally gigs with Levee Town, Trampled Under Foot and John Paul’s Flying Circus has also been nominated for a 2009 Pitch Music Award. Check out his boogie piano solo show every Wednesday night at B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ. Need a preview? Click the link for some footage of a show he played last year in Brazil.

The Pitch: How long have you been playing piano?

Shinetop Jr.: I’ve been playing piano for over 30 years – basically since I could reach the keys.

What is on your turntable?

I’ve just recently moved over to the iPod side of things, so I now carry around my whole collection on one device. Depending on my mood, I listen to everything from classical to metal. If I pushed play on my iPod right now, you would get some Brazilian music. My favorite is to put the iPod on shuffle and see which of the 12,000+ songs come up.

Where is your favorite place to play or see a show in KC?

There are a lot of great venues in KC, but with my playing style, I like B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ the best. When the music gets going, the place just seems to breathe with the beat. Plus, it’s hard to pass on the barbecue and cajun food they serve.

Who do you think is the most influential person in the KC blues world?

Everyone has influential players unique to themselves… I owe most of

what I know to my former band, the Blues Notions and Lindsay Shannon. In my mind, I think Lee McBee has inspired and continues to inspire players, young and old. Part of being a blues musician in KC is sharing the love and knowledge of the music with anyone willing to listen. It’s like a family.

How do you rate the blues culture in other cities that you’ve played in or been to, compared to KC?

The funny thing about the Blues is that it transcends culture. West Coast, East Coast, Chicago, Memphis, KC, even Brazil – it all plays about the same. It’s the feel or the groove that changes. Kansas City has that “swing” that sets it apart from other cities and it’s a big hit around the

world.