James P. Johnson : rare recording of Liza (1937)

Rare recording of "Liza" by the one and only James P. Johnson. It have been recorded in Fats Waller's house in may 1937, for Fats' birthday. Many great pianists where present this day, like Eubie Blake, and Willie The Lion Smith.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• stride
• harlem
• piano
• rare
• acetate
• james
• P.
• johnson
• liza
• waller
• gershwin

[KawhackitaRag]

I believe that James P. Johnson was the very greatest pianist of his era. His imagination seemed limitless, his technique usually faultless, and the sheer textural variety he shows at the piano astonishing.

[LudwigVonKoopa64]

I really cannot get enough of Johnson's signature riffs he seemed to have used in almost everything he played, he just changed it a bit each time! haha.. also its interesting how he never repeats any part of his playing exactly the same the next time through...

[bimhimbim]

Wunderbar wie Johnson Gershwins rassistischen Arschmusik-Song veredelt.

[jamesp34]

Du James.P à l'état pur, c'est fluide, mélodieux, très technique aussi, du beau piano dans un style pratiquement inimitable. Magnifique.

[KawhackitaRag]

James P. Johnson was one of a very few pianists of that time whose right hand seemed directly connected to his mind; whatever he thought, he could play. This is a mastery that has only been achieved by a select few musicians, regardless of instrument. The fact that what he played sounded great simply goes to show how tremendously tuneful his imagination was.

[KawhackitaRag]

HOW DOES HE DO THAT?!?!?!?!?

[FontanoTribe]

'Liza', what a great tune played by such a foundational pianist as James P. Johnson. Surely, this tune was written by George Gershwin. I Love his variations on this piece as well as James P.'s variations. George would be proud. This recording would been made ironically just weeks before Gershwin's death in '37.