Jim Hession/ Master of Stride, plays The Lion's" FingerBuster"

[arthurbraxton]

absolutely mind blowing....incredible playing...shows what a lifetime of dedication and hardwork is truly worth

[MR9President]

why do i feel the sudden urge to go in a saloon and start playing poker?

[catpenis27]

I just watched Dick Hyman do this song for about 34 seconds. Then I watched your version. You play with so much passion. You make the piano sing, you are just an amazing inspiration to me. People say I play piano like you, but with mistakes... My first instrument is accordion.

[WaffleAbuser]

Even though I am indubitably amazed, I have to protest against the speed, because I can't hear what's going on :(

[jazznbear]

@WaffleAbuser

You'll have to listen faster because I can't play it any slower.LOL.

In all seriousness, The Lion wanted to write a competitive piano solo to rival his musical compatriots in Harlem- Waller, Tatum, JPJohnson etc.........and he did!

[WaffleAbuser]

@jazznbear

If you say so. :P

And he did indeed!

[captainsunder009]

Bravo, bravo.

[mdshullaw]

I really got a kick out of your version of Finger Buster by Jelly Roll Morton. I know other ragtime piano players out there like me or going to yell about the song's technical flaws, but it can't be argued that it is a very impressive interpretation. In reality I have heard this song played in hundreds of different ways, and every pianist seems to give it there own interpretation regardless of how it was written. The 4 hand version that Morton composed for player pianos is also very effective.

[benway15]

WOW !! Do you have any books or instructions you would recommend to follow ? [for beginner up to more advanced ?] I'm amazed by this . I want to learn to play stride .

[gink0001]

Dear God... I don't like the song, but the technique is mind-boggling!!! Wow!

[Joelesque]

Mr Hession you are really a great pianist! Great technique and that piano has a nice sound by the way. I really enjoy your videos. I'd like to hear some Bill Evans from you once...

BTW: Watching this makes me really feel a little dizzy :-)

[jonho95]

man 2 min. of finger hell this guys pro

[rhs10153]

It's great to hear your play :) FANTASTIC!!

[rob3854]

good for finger muskels XD

[tamuso212]

Did every pianist who watched this feel like giving up for a while? I did...unbelievable! :)

[jazznbear]

Never give up......just one more challenge in the scheme of things............

[captainsunder009]

@jazznbear True.

[HEADBANGING69]

@tamuso212 it actually inspired me to want to play like Jim. I wanted to play even more because it is so enjoyable to play piano like this.

[Fanfardon]

@tamuso212 Yeah, I found this depressing. Now way to get to this guys level.

[shantidude]

Damn. They just don't make left hands like that anymore...

[amazing763]

Those of us with only ten fingers are envious. Ours hit the wrong notes, too. Makes us want to stop practising.

[monkeybizwak]

This man clearly has super human powers...

[xXNinjaChickenXx]

I can see why it's called fingerbuster....

^_^ I'm gonna learn this..

[Fidelidei]

i can't believe that a human can play like that :-O just amazing!

[Globulerougeetblanc]

Mouais.

[Morahman7vnNo2]

This should be posted as a response to a recent video of: The Lion actually playing his own piece!

[equinoxe102]

absolutely superb man !

i was looking for a piece like this to learn n play it but this looks fucking hard :o

[fattymcfatsofat]

I love the piano, I wish I could learn how to play it. Even HALF as well as you do and I would be happy.

[Pianoninja924]

I like to think that if I work a little harder that I will be half as good as he is, but I don't know if these songs are the limit of his ability. So, I like that I'm about a 1/4 as good as him. Maybe an 1/8 or a 1/10 or a 1/ 100.

[jazznbear]

The section that sounds like Grieg is surely the result of "The Lion''s" classical background. Many of his more lyrical piano solos also reflect that influence.

I learned about Donald Lambert from Eubie Blake and heard some early stride treatments of classical themes that Lambert recorded. At that time Eubie's manager was going to issue the sides on the EBM Label. The YouTube vids and other cuts I've heard do not do him justice.He was a phenomenon.Maybe other recordings will surface!

[Angel4house]

I would like to ask you if you have the sheet of JR Morton's "The crave".

[Pianoninja924]

I do.

[MR9President]

it sometimes sounds like i'm in an old saloon

[12GunSlinger]

Wow! Your playing is absolutely amazing!

[AfroPianist]

this has all my rights to be called the fingerbuster :)

[seanster17]

those keys must have been on fire after that!

[666SeedOfSatan666]

WHOA!!! 12/5*

greetings

[JamesPriceJohnson]

imagine if this was a piano roll

[pianoguy234]

Mr Hession, Thank you... You make me want to practice more...and I appreciate the kind things you said about my video.

[jazznbear]

You're welcome. Any time you have any musical questions feel free to ask.

[Morahman7vnNo2]

So when are you going to post yourself playing The Lion's "Echoes of Spring?"

[JamesPriceJohnson]

good version. 5 stars! love It! but its that piano! im sorry, but it sort of sounds too new. i know this what people play, but im so used o the sound of an old piano, u know,faint,mellow, and warm. good vid! keep Playin!

[robertmazzo]

Dynamite performance ! Congratulations !

Any recommended stride websites/books for a jazz pianist interested in learning stride techniques ? - Bob

[jazznbear]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your comments.Have you checked out our "Stride Tips" videos on YouTube? There are about 2 dozen different lessons on various aspects of stride technique.

[chu71]

woooooooooow!

[EPSlLON]

Favorite parts 0:14 - 0:17, 0:24 - 0:25

[EPSlLON]

I like the way the left hand plays!

[KPO6859]

Unequivocally stunning performance. Your playing is an inspiration and an uplifting experience.

Like a previous post said, one cannot help but smile listening to this music.

For those studying piano, what you have seen here is the reason you spend hours on technique: this is the payoff for all the work.

Thank you for sharing these YouTube postings with us.

[bftjosh]

his hands are moving so fast it gets me dizzy sometimes lol

[HEADBANGING69]

WHOA! DUDE. LIKE WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAA­AAH. eVERYTIME I WATCH JIM I GET A BIG SMILE FROM EAR TO EAR! THIS IS SO INSPIRING it makes me want to go practice!

[John02234]

that was amazing, but i'd have to say that Jim Hession is better.

[bftjosh]

Anyone who can play this even half the full speed is a god XD lol

[HEADBANGING69]

THis made my kids start running around the house like maniacs. I think my blood pressure went up like 20 points too. LOL

Makes me feel alive!!

[sha1om]

Holy mackerel. That's simply amazing. I am in awe.

It's not just the performance, though: I liked the cinematography as well. Specifically, you're wearing black sleeves against a dark background, so your arms just disappear -- all I can see is these two disembodied hands dancing around on the piano... I think it's hilarious.

[musicuseit]

Ear oragasm!!!

[bergenruegen]

WOoOW..... i don´t know what i shouldt say..... that´s just amazing.... great!!!

[freakin90]

wicked

[DGatsby]

You are a fantastic piano player, if you don't mind me saying.

[mrstep2me]

I once read a comment about the Lion's playing in his prime having a "wow" factor. You have definitely channeled that.

[HEADBANGING69]

i STILL DON'T KNOW HOW YOU PULL OFF THOSE LEFT HAND LEAPS WITHOUT SCREWING UP. YOU ARE THE BEST I HAVE SEEN EVER!

[jazznbear]

Some days are better than others,LOL.

[HEADBANGING69]

yOU ARE AMAZING AND I LOVE YOU FOR PLAYING THIS. I PLAYED THIS STYLE OF MUSIC IN GRAD SCHOOL WHEN EVERY BODY WAS PRACTICING THEIR MOZART. THE OTHER STUDENTS DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO MAKE OF ME. BUT YOU DO! THIS IS THE BEST STUFF EVER! THANKS JIM FOR BEING SO GREAT!

[jazznbear]

Thank you for the comments. Apparently we have a lot in common: when I was a composition major at UCLA in classrooms full of classical,hard rock & electronic music performers I was making a living playing ragtime and Dx-land at Hollyw'd clubs and pubs. When I got my degree I kept it in a very safe place and continued independent research of historical jazz while still playing in bars and nightclubs. LOL

[aaron12345432]

it's like an orgasm lol =)

[Morahman7vnNo2]

Eargasm, Same Thing When Listening To Art Tatum's Tiger Rag.

[lazaryjczyk]

Great!

[bluekeytony]

Jim, that is incredible !!! Hands straight into a bucket of ice after that, right ??

[jazznbear]

Good to hear from you again! Thanks for your comment..........no ice necessary.

[Squarerig]

Jesus Christ and General Jackson!If my ears can hardly keep up with the velocity then how do his hands do it?Or does he have a super chip in each hand and nerve fibre.I cannot praise him too highly.A virtuoso indeed.Thank you,Mr.Hession

[ASAngelo]

Fantistic! Bravo!

I really dig your version (or as interpreted by ear from Hyman's recording)truly ... especially the way you approached it. My ears are still ringin'! ha!

[Morahman7vnNo2]

To Good To Call Good, So I Wont. But Man! I Hope You Get A White Shirt! With White Sleeves; Because That A Bad Joke To The Eyes.

[jgthom]

Did you learn this from ear or is there sheetmusic available? I have Morton's Fingerwrecker, but not the Lion's

[jazznbear]

I learned this by ear from the 1970's LP by Dick Hyman. Recently I discovered a 1939 folio "Willie Smith folio of Modern Piano Solos", published by Leo Feist. There are some differences between the written and played versions. The Lion, like many great stride players, would alter segments of his pieces while playing.

[aleap9000]

It's impossible...It's Fake!!! ^^

[HEADBANGING69]

I teach highschool band. I love this stuff always. When I try to play stride really fast my wrists tense up. Any suggestions so I can get faster like you. YOu KIll it man. JUSt amazing!!!!!!!!

[jazznbear]

Two suggestions:Consciously practice relaxing the muscles in your wrists and forearms before and during playing. You will get the same results with a relaxed approach, and avoid tendonitis and carpal tunnel. Retrain your muscles to relax. Play the piano, don't attack it!

Also, try sitting a little higher on the piano bench. That way gravity will help you out.

[HEADBANGING69]

Ive watched all of your youtube postings and I am convinced you need a record contract! You are simply amazing. I love everything you do. YOu put alot of classical piano players to shame!!

[jazznbear]

Those of us who began with classical training were fortunate to develop a workable technique. That background does help with playing jazz and stride when combined with ear training and a oneness with the style.

Record contract? We have presently over 200 new recordings in the can and will gladly entertain offers. Thanks for your support!

[bmxgenie]

and thankyou for the info.will watch all off your vids at some point 95?

[bmxgenie]

fantastic.1st time ive heard this. could any one tell who done origanal.thanks.

[jazznbear]

This piece was written by Willie "the Lion" Smith. He recorded this in the 1940's but wrote it earlier than that. It has also been recorded by Dick Hyman and John Arpin in the 1970's.I started playing it in concert in the 1970's and recorded in 1993 (Rock Me In The Cradle of Love-Pianomania Recordings) and in 2004 for a soon to be released CD with Audiophile with the Jack Maheu Quartet.

Thank you for your kind comments.

[jazznbear]

I finally ran across a date for The Lion's FingerBuster- 1934 is listed as the copyright date.

[mdrileynyc]

Great! I'd love to hear you on 'Lion and the Lamb', my favorite Smith (and Bushkin) performance.

[jazznbear]

Sounds interesting. Can you tell me more about it?

[mdrileynyc]

Great! I'd love to hear from you the "lion and the lamb', my favorite Willie the Lion Smith (and Joe Bushkin) performance.

[Morahman7vnNo2]

those Are Some "Mad JAZZY Hands!" You Got There! Must Have Taken Years To Get That Good.Finger Buster Indeed, I Think The Lion Would Be Proud.

[gioook]

great!

[seanmoyses]

Should one dance the twist or the tango???

Marvelous!!!

[jazznbear]

Perhaps the dance should be the twango or a foxtrot on Red Bull. Thanks for the comment.

[avilliusflaccus]

It hurt my hands just watching.

[Squarerig]

Finger Buster,indeed!My eyes are almost busted fromtrying to keep up with the hands.How your figners do it is beyond me.Another amazing performance.Keep up the good work,PLEASE!

[hitzaskar]

fantastic

[dznygrl]

Good Grief - if I didn't know better, I would have thought this video was playing on high speed! Great job!

[jazznbear]

Thank you. It is good to know that people care about these musical classics. This particular piece is a challenge every time you sit down to play. The difficulty of Finger Buster is a tribute to The Lion's brilliance!