Jim Hession plays Harlem Strut by James P. Johnson/ no.2

http://www.hessionsession.webs.com

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/jimhession


http://www.artistopia.com/hessionsession

New piano CD's available as of April,2008



A second look at this James P.stride classic. Recorded for CD at the Word of Mouth Studio in Algiers(New Orleans), Louisianna filmed in August,2007.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• stride
• jazz
• jim
• hession
• piano
• solo
• STRIDE
• James
• P.
• Johnson
• Harlem
• Stride

[CBasie2856]

Have you played any Tatum pieces? I appreciate the style of stride that Johnson and Waller did more than what Tatum did, but I appreciate Tatum's virtuosity more than I do with Johnson/Waller.

[jazznbear]

Waller who was older than Tatum was already a megastar when Tatum first came to NY at 18yrs. Tatum was & is the greatest jazz piano genius,not only because of his technique but for the fluidity of ideas & his advanced concept of harmony. Tatum was best known for his note for note solo arrangements yet his ability to improvise & swing in a casual setting(ie. clubs) was first rate. His musical idol was Fats Waller. Tatum used stride passages freely, alternating with his other musical ideas

[jazznbear]

Tatum said,"Fats,man, that's where I come from". This in spite of all the musical influences that must have contributed to his style. Tatum practiced at home up to 10 hrs a day in addition to his recording/concert dates. Fats was a pure stride player who had an effortless approach to the keyboard & according to Johnny Guarnieri, was the only player of his day that never rushed the beat. Stride style NEEDS to "swing" otherwise it can lapse into the area of "novelty" piano or even piano roll mode.

[jazznbear]

According to Ellington, "if you have to ask what swing is, then you haven't got it." Swing is jazz: novelty and piano roll piano is not jazz.

You asked if I play any Tatum pieces....Tatum is in every piano piece I play. He is the one common denominator of jazz piano, both for his era and beyond. Tatum's style to the new listener is an acquired taste.I can remember well what I thought when I first listened to Tatum. The more I learned about music the more I understood.

[grandelfe]

Superb playing, always enjoy your sound.Thanks

[idamay1]

There are so many great's out there!! This is another!! Love it!!

[avilliusflaccus]

You're a freak Jim. Love it.

[lazaryjczyk]

5 stars! you are amazing!

[dwightkschrute80]

Wild and crazy stuff! Ragtime, baby!

[chrismartindawson]

Hey Jim,

Thanks for your reply and kind words.

You sound beautiful...love this one. Hope I can hear you in person sometime.

--Chris Dawson