Higher Ground: E-Z Play Today

This arrangement captures the infectious groove and keyboard-driven energy that made the original such a phenomenon, giving students direct access to funk grooves they actually want to play. The three-page length keeps it manageable without sacrificing the essential character of the tune, and the E-Z Play format makes it accessible to pianists still building their reading fluency.

Propulsive and uplifting, with a relentless groove that makes you want to move. The keyboard work sits at the intersection of precision and swing, requiring both technical control and the willingness to sit in a pocket rather than play mechanically.

Piano students who want to expand beyond classical repertoire and explore grooves rooted in funk and soul. This works equally well for the high school pianist seeking contemporary material and the adult learner rediscovering music through songs that mattered to them.

• Lock into the rhythmic pocket by isolating the left-hand comping pattern first; this groove sits slightly behind the beat in the classic funk style, so play it with intention rather than rushing
• Approach the synth-like right-hand sections with clarity and articulation; short staccato bursts will help capture the percussive quality of keyboard synthesizers from the original recording
• Let the bass line drive the feel; if you're playing with a drummer or bassist, sync your rhythmic figures to theirs before worrying about note-perfect execution

Program this as a contemporary pop anchor in a concert celebrating the roots of funk and soul music, or use it as a solo piece for a student pianist with strong rhythmic instincts looking to build confidence with contemporary material. It also works beautifully as an ensemble closer when you pair it with a guitarist and bassist.

• Reading syncopated rhythms in a funk context
• Playing behind the beat while maintaining tempo
• Left-hand comping patterns and chord voicing
• Translating synth sounds to acoustic piano