Lluis Coloma and Erwin Helfer – Two Pianos Too Cool

I wanted to create an environment in which two friends chat, sometimes quietly and sometimes boisterously. The generosity, wisdom, and love that Erwin extends made everything easy. Each song has a dialogue with contrasts, silences full of expression, and history.

"Making this recording was a true honor for a self-taught boy who was born in the Hostafranchs neighborhood in Barcelona. It was a unique experience that fills me with feelings of joy to continue keeping the tradition of this music alive." — Lluîs Coloma (excerpt from liner notes)

Erwin Helfer was introduced to Spanish pianist Lluîs Coloma by Barrelhouse Chuck. Erwin and Lluîs have maintained their close relationship through the years. Lluîs visits with Erwin whenever he tours the states, e.g., when he performs at the San Francisco Boogie Woogie Festival. On November 17, 2022, during one of these visits, they recorded duets on two Fazioli pianos. Lluîs also recorded interpretations of two of Erwin's compositions. Listen and enjoy the private concert.

Track Listing:
1. Sneaky Pete - 2:09   2. Stella - 5:00   3. Cuttin' the Boogie - 3:29   4. Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You - 2:58   5. Jambalaya - 2:47   6. Swanee River Boogie - 4:24   7. Rock House - 3:33   8. St. James Infirmary - 3:02   9. Georgia - 3:50   10. Sixth Avenue Express - 2:58   11. How Long Blues - 4:42   12. Back at the Chicken Shack - 3:16   13. Please Send Me Someone to Love - 3:53   14. Paris - 3:05

Personnel:
Lluis Coloma (piano 1-14) , Erwin Helfer (piano 2-6, 8-13)

Reviews:

1. lahoradelblues.com 2024.06
Chicago record label The Sirens, led by Steven B. Dolins, specializes in only releasing albums by blues, boogie woogie, jazz and gospel piano players, with the only exception of some great jazz, blues and gospel singers. Its catalogue includes a good number of the most genuine blues piano players like Blind John Davis, Erwin Helfer, Detroit Junior, Willie Mabon, Pinetop Perkins, Speckled Red, Sunnyland Slim or the late and always remembered Barrelhouse Chuck.
Barrelhouse Chuck travelled to Barcelona for the first time thanks to Vicente Zúmel, where he met Lluis Coloma. During that visit a good friendship arose between them. Lluis traveled to Chicago and, at Chuck’s home, he met Erwin Helfer. The three musicians shared their passion for blues and piano, spending a good time talking and explaining many anecdotes memories and experiences. Zúmel also introduced Coloma to Steven B. Dolins, and afterwards Lluis collaborated on a Barrelhouse Chuck album for the label.
Now Lluis and Erwin have released this instrumental album for The Sirens Records, with fourteen songs where Lluis is on piano in all songs and Erwin joins him in ten cuts. Besides some blues and boogie-woogie standards together with his own compositions, Lluis also plays three Helfer’s own songs, “Paris”, “Sneaky Pete” and “Stella” and he does it with a total respect for this great piano player who, aged now 88, is fully active and has even travelled several times to Spain to perform with Lluis.
This is an album by two great piano masters, both gifted with an unquestionable technique and love for blues and boogie-woogie, where they also pay homage to the great piano player and really nice person called Barrelhouse Chuck.