Mr. Hession is a brilliant pianist. However, I am of the opinion that Mr. Holland played this piece in a way that is both truer to the composer's intent(I have listened to a recording made by JPJ), and is more pleasing to listen to. These two performers have very different styles. Each lends itself to different kinds of music. Jelly Roll Morton should be played differently than James P. Johnson. I am sure Hession could give this guy valuable instruction in certain methods of playing as well.
Actually, from the recordings of this song that I have listened to, Mr. Holland's performances seems to differ in its subtleties. In my opinion(which I'm sure will be met with cries from his loyal fans), Mr. Hession's performance is far too accented, too abrasive, and lacks the phrasing that in large part is what gives this piece character. This is not a gospel song, it is a stride. Those are very different styles, and I think Mr. Holland was more successful in making that distinction.
Hi, Matty. This happens to be one of my favorite pieces, containing elements of ragtime, stride, and blues. I think JPJ recorded it twice and Brian follows his earliest late 1920's recording fairly closely. Hession's version is very good too, stressing the stride aspects. For another version, search for Sue Keller's... she stresses Blues aspects a little more and also draws from JPJ's 1940's recording which added a Boogie element.
Excellent! I really like this! I have always liked this number since I first heard it on an old LP 33rpm, with James P himself playing it. What a pity no film seems to exist of James P. Thanks for this, Brian, it's fab.
Franklin70 I agree with you;in my opinion Jim Hession's rendering is more pleasing-to my ears that is!Actually both of them are beyond compare-what do you say?
I LOVE this version!! Thanks for posting-made me smile...alot!
lauraneville 1 month ago
ONe of my favorite James P. tunes...and played magnificently!!
idamay1 1 year ago
@brandon1994kk jim hession ... man he makes up most of what he plays xD
DajaWaja 1 year ago
Another "biggee" I somehow missed! He is a fantastic piano player! Oh to play the piano like that!!
idamay1 1 year ago
I love this song, and Brian Holland's version is FIVE*****!! Super playing!!
idamay1 1 year ago
I found I actually need to wait for my hands to grow before I can really play this !
tomad16 2 years ago
Mr. Hession is a brilliant pianist. However, I am of the opinion that Mr. Holland played this piece in a way that is both truer to the composer's intent(I have listened to a recording made by JPJ), and is more pleasing to listen to. These two performers have very different styles. Each lends itself to different kinds of music. Jelly Roll Morton should be played differently than James P. Johnson. I am sure Hession could give this guy valuable instruction in certain methods of playing as well.
kthorne4 2 years ago
To each his own, I guess :)
kthorne4 2 years ago
Actually, from the recordings of this song that I have listened to, Mr. Holland's performances seems to differ in its subtleties. In my opinion(which I'm sure will be met with cries from his loyal fans), Mr. Hession's performance is far too accented, too abrasive, and lacks the phrasing that in large part is what gives this piece character. This is not a gospel song, it is a stride. Those are very different styles, and I think Mr. Holland was more successful in making that distinction.
kthorne4 2 years ago
By the way, I am in no way disparaging Jim Hession's ability as a pianist. He is phenomenal, but not with his interpretation of this tune.
kthorne4 2 years ago
Hi, Matty. This happens to be one of my favorite pieces, containing elements of ragtime, stride, and blues. I think JPJ recorded it twice and Brian follows his earliest late 1920's recording fairly closely. Hession's version is very good too, stressing the stride aspects. For another version, search for Sue Keller's... she stresses Blues aspects a little more and also draws from JPJ's 1940's recording which added a Boogie element.
Howard
rtpress 2 years ago
@rtpress Yeah, sues version is awesome :D trying to learn it myself at the moment!
CooCurrent 1 year ago
Amazing...
Riverdale270 2 years ago
Excellent! I really like this! I have always liked this number since I first heard it on an old LP 33rpm, with James P himself playing it. What a pity no film seems to exist of James P. Thanks for this, Brian, it's fab.
crab5mt 3 years ago
Jim Hession could learn a lot from this guy.
kthorne4 3 years ago
so true!
08overdrive 2 years ago
James P Johnson :D Awesome.
andrewn17 3 years ago
well this is the first rendition i have seen and it'll do for me haha but i will check out the others ;-)
samuso86 3 years ago
Franklin70 I agree with you;in my opinion Jim Hession's rendering is more pleasing-to my ears that is!Actually both of them are beyond compare-what do you say?
Squarerig 4 years ago
Definitely, great rendition of Snowy Morning Blues, but you should also check out Jim Hession's version of Snowy Mountain Blues on YouTube.
dfranklin70 4 years ago
That's the best version of that piece I've ever heard. Seriously.
larisa0001 4 years ago 6
I second that.
credman 4 years ago
Excellent
PhilippeLernould 4 years ago
outstnading
antvlrs 4 years ago
One of my favorite James P Johnson tunes! What style! Thanks for posting!
JoeOliverIsStillKing 4 years ago
Oh, so SWEET! I tried to learn this one but haven't progressed past the first page. OH, I love it so.
Saved to favs for SURE!
Karen=Idasynco
idasynco 4 years ago
Me too! 5 stars and saved! Is not easy listen people that play in so clean way James P Johnson!
Deaglet 4 years ago
Delightful! Beautiful melody and so nicely done by Mr. Holland. 5 stars & saved to my fav's!
Tom Warner = tdub1941
tdub1941 4 years ago