The Charleston Rag - Eubie Blake - Played by Erik York

Decided since you've seen my player, it was time I showed you my playing. I picked one of my favorite rags, "The Charleston Rag" by Eubie Blake. I learned this piece about 3-4 years ago, and haven't had the music since then, so this is all from memory; I tried to play it slower and more "Eubie" like. A few of the spots are some improvisation, and I realize now that I skipped part of the ending, but my hands were getting a tad tired from the piano.

Sorry about the audio, I attempted to record it better quality on my microphone, but something happened to the quality and all I could do was use the camera's crappy audio.

The piano action on my player is very difficult for me to play on, it's very "stiff". I've had the action graphited, and lubricated, but it still remains quite stiff. I've discovered that the instrument has all original damper springs which are somewhat corroded. The technician who came over said they were stronger than any that are being made now, which could explain the stiffness in the action. I'm pretty sure it's not the hammer butt springs, but when I get around to replacing the damper springs, I'll likely have a look to see what shape they are in too, likely a bit corroded. Everything else the technician said looked absolutely great.

I'll try to get some James Blythe playing up when I can work up Fast Stuff Blues (and find the sheet music again lol)

Hope you enjoy!
Erik

Category:

Music

Tags:

• The
• Charleston
• Rag
• Eubie
• Blake
• Ragtime
• Blues
• Novelty
• Player
• Piano
• Roll
• Jazz
• 1899
• Erik
• York

[Pianosyncrazy]

Great hands Eubie!

[AAErikCO]

Not unless he is 123 now and white :)

Let's all celebrate Eubie's 1-2-3 together!

[AAErikCO]

Btw, thanks for watching. Oops, by some accounts he wasn't born in 1887, forgot that he fudged his birth date. He must'a been a real character. Born too late I'm afraid..

[Pianosyncrazy]

You mean like J. Russel Robinson ?

You play well for a 123 year old, indeed!