Little Willie Littlefield & The Martijn Schok Boogie & Blues Band

The legendary pianist/singer Little Willie Littlefield (Houston, Texas, USA) and Martijn Schok have started a succesful musical cooperation.

Starting in 2006, both pianists perform in a new and spectacular Package Show, entitled "Little Willie Littlefield & the Martijn Schok Band".

A swinging musical program with the real blues, boogie woogie, rhythm 'n blues en jazz!

Little Willie Littlefield (Houston, Texas, USA)

Little Willie Littlefield began his career as a recording artist at the age of 16 for Eddie's Records in Houston. His first recording "Little Willie's Boogie" was a hit in Texas. In Houston Willie recorded 8 tracks for Eddie's Records and Freedom Records in 1948/1949.

While in Houston, word reached the Bihari brothers (owners of the Modern-label in Los Angeles) about a teenage wonderboy pianist who was currently breaking up at the Eldorado Ballroom. Before leaving Houston Jules Bihari had already inked a contract, recorded Littlefield's first side "It's Midnight" and arranged for Littlefield to come to the West Coast.

When Littlefield arrived in L.A.later that month "It's Midnight" was a big hit (peaked at 3) in the chards nationwide and he was booked in L.A.'s Melody Club and in Johnny Otis' famous Barrelhouse in Watts. He was an overnight sensation.

"It's Midnight" not only established him in the Rhythm and Blues field, but also left an impression on other upcoming stars such as Fats Domino who developed his triplet piano-style from the Littlefield recording.

Littlefield recorded about 30 tracks for Modern in 1949, 1950 and 1951 and scored some more hits such as "Farewell"and "I've been lost". He recorded with L.A.'s leading Rhythm and Blues session musicians including saxplayers Maxwell Davis and Buddy Floyd, guitarists Chuck Norris and Johnny Moore and drummers Al Wichard and Jessie Price.

In 1952 Littlefield switched to Federal Records where he cut many successful sides including the original version of "Kansas City" (original title was "K.C.Loving").

By 1957 he had moved to Northern California and recorded for Rhythm Records where he produced his hit "Ruby Ruby".

During the sixties he was content to play various clubs around the San Francisco area. In the seventies he was re-discovered and returned to the public stage with appearances at the first San Francisco Bluesfestival and the Sacramento Bluesfestival.

In the mid-seventies he recorded several sides for Blues Connoisseur Records.

In 1978 he did his first, very successful, tour in Europe.

Since 1980 Willie has been continually on the road in Europe, playing theatres, clubs and festivals.His first performance at the Montreux Jazzfestival was broadcasted on television by the BBC. He appeared at many radio- and televisionshows all over Europe. But Willie also continued his performances outside Europe. Willie toured in Canada and appeared at the Chicago Bluesfestival in 1988. He performed in the Australian film "Love in Limbo", presented at the Berlin filmfestival 1993.

During the period 1980-1997 he recorded 10 albums for several european recordcompanies. These albums were spoken in much appreciation by the music crititcs.

Being on the road for more than 50 years, Willie stopped touring in 2000. Nevertheless, he performed during the annual International Boogie Woogie Festival Holland in 2004 and in 2005. DVDs of these two sold out festival editions have been released.

In 2005, Willie announced his international comeback. A lot of concerts followed and are scheduled, included Package Shows with Dutch boogie woogie & blues pianist Martijn Schok and his band (Little Willie Littlefield & The Martijn Schok Boogie & Blues Band).

Martijn Schok Boogie & Blues Band (NL)

The Martijn Schok Boogie & Blues Band is the swinging band of Dutch boogie woogie pianist Martijn Schok. The band toured through Denmark, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain and the USA. Martijn and his band also performed during the famous Jazzfestival in New Orleans.

The music of the band is great for dancing, but is also great listening music because of the varied repertoire and the individual musical qualities of the bandmembers.

The band plays swinging boogie woogie, exciting rhythm 'n blues and emotional blues songs with a jazzy sound. This combination of styles results in a very groovy mix of roots music, with piano boogie woogie and piano blues right in the middle, played by the Dutch master in the genre.

The band is the 'home band' of the annual International Boogie Woogie Festival Holland.

For years, the name Martijn Schok has been synonymous with boogie woogie and piano blues. Martijn has played all the great Dutch jazz and blues festivals and can also be seen regularly at festivals both in Europe and the USA. Martijn performs solo as well as with his swinging 5-piece band, and has up till now released thirteen successful boogie woogie CDs.

Martijn's piano style is characterized by a large dose of swing, a steady groove and a high degree of virtuosity. It is clear he has a great deal of respect and admiration for the music of the early American boogie woogie originators.

Martijn is a respected interpreter of the boogie woogie and piano blues style and appears at famous international festivals, such as the festival in New Orleans (Louisiana, USA), the Queen City Blues Festival in Cincinnati (Ohio, USA), the Motor City Boogie & Blues Festival in Detroit (Michigan, USA), and the international boogie woogie festivals in Switzerland, Belgium, France, England, Spain and the USA.

Besides his performing qualities, Martijn is the Artistic Director and founder of the International Boogie Woogie Festival Holland that takes place annually at the North Sea coast of Holland.

LINE UP LITTLE WILLIE LITTLEFIELD & THE MARTIJN SCHOK BAND:
Little Willie Littlefield (Houston, Texas, USA) – PIANO / VOCALS
Martijn Schok – PIANO
Rinus Groeneveld – TENOR SAXOPHONE
Greta Holtrop – VOCALS
Sergei Shapko – UPRIGHT BASS
Maarten Kruijswijk – DRUMS