I beg to differ: in the basic notes of Johnson's 1921 roll correspond closely to his 1921 audio recording of the tune. Also if you listen to some recordings MADE IN THE EARLY 1920s OF REAL 1920S PIANISTS you might hear what I mean. And no, I don't mean Jelly Roll Morton, he sounded like no one else. I mean Jimmy Blythe, Clarence Johnson, Lemuel Fowler, Frank Banta, Henry Lange, etc. etc. all of these gentlemen sound more or less like their rolls.
Great playing, but allow me a little comment: at fast tempos, forget the "triplet" feel of eighth notes, which makes the music sound anxious and rushed.
The faster the tempo, the more even the eighth notes, yet they should never be played totally straight. Try it and you'll see the improvement.
I beg to differ: in the basic notes of Johnson's 1921 roll correspond closely to his 1921 audio recording of the tune. Also if you listen to some recordings MADE IN THE EARLY 1920s OF REAL 1920S PIANISTS you might hear what I mean. And no, I don't mean Jelly Roll Morton, he sounded like no one else. I mean Jimmy Blythe, Clarence Johnson, Lemuel Fowler, Frank Banta, Henry Lange, etc. etc. all of these gentlemen sound more or less like their rolls.
KawhackitaRag 2 years ago
Great playing, but allow me a little comment: at fast tempos, forget the "triplet" feel of eighth notes, which makes the music sound anxious and rushed.
The faster the tempo, the more even the eighth notes, yet they should never be played totally straight. Try it and you'll see the improvement.
JazzBrother88 2 years ago 2
Awesome job on a really difficult piece! Looking forward to hearing more
ScottBradleeLovesYa 2 years ago
Absolutely excellent. Very close to Fats Waler's version.
jampro2002 2 years ago
oh... thanks for the lesson...
red bearded Israeli rules!
lindyhoppers 3 years ago
that's barrel house style
no Harlem Stride piano...
lindyhoppers 3 years ago
Very inventive. I like the way you use all of the upper range of
the keyboard with your right hand.
opschruff 3 years ago 3
great playing! and it seems so effortless, how do you do that? a
shame that the sound quality isn't any better
cstberlin 3 years ago 3
I fully agree. I've been a jazz fan for over 15 years and I've never seen such impeccable technique.
loopyfoxytrot 3 years ago 2
Simply stunning. James P. Johnson lives on in this guy. Keep it up and please post some more stuff!!!
A fan is born tonight.
jazzgooroo 3 years ago 2