Album Info
| Artist: | James P. Johnson |
| Album: | Father Of The Stride Piano |
| Released: | Australia, 1965 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | If Dreams Come True | |
| A2 | Fascination | |
| A3 | Lonesome Reverie | |
| A4 | The Mule Walk | |
| A5 | Blueberry Rhyme | |
| A6 | Snowy Morning Blues | |
| A7 | All That I Had Is Gone | |
| A8 | How Could I Be Blue | |
| B1 | Swingin' At The Lido | |
| B2 | Havin' A Ball | |
| B3 | Hungry Blues | |
| Vocals - Anna Robinson | ||
| B4 | Old-Fashioned Love | |
| B5 | Memories Of You | |
| B6 | Worried And Lonesome Blues | |
| B7 | Weeping Blues | |
| B8 | Carolina Shout |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
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- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
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- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship your vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Father Of The Stride Piano" is an album that pays homage to James P. Johnson, a pivotal figure in the development of stride piano, a style of jazz piano playing that emerged in the early 20th century. This album features recordings that highlight Johnson's virtuosity, innovation, and influence in jazz and stride piano.
One of the key aspects of this album is its showcase of stride piano's characteristics — a rhythmic left hand that alternates low bass notes and mid-range chords, and a right hand that plays melodies and harmonizes. Johnson's mastery of this style is evident throughout the album, offering listeners a window into the early days of jazz piano.
Tracks like "Carolina Shout" and "Snowy Morning Blues" are standouts, illustrating Johnson's skill in creating intricate, lively melodies and his ability to imbue his music with a sense of joy and energy. These compositions are seminal in the stride piano genre and display the technical prowess and musicality that earned Johnson the title of its father.
The production quality of the recordings, typical of the era (1920s and 1930s), may lack the clarity and refinement of modern recordings, but this adds a certain historical charm and authenticity. The sound captures the raw energy and spontaneity of Johnson's performances, transporting listeners back to the early days of jazz.
"Keep Off The Grass," another notable track, showcases Johnson's ability to compose complex, yet accessible music. His use of syncopation and rhythmic variations makes the track both challenging and engaging, highlighting his influence on later jazz pianists.
Johnson's influence extends beyond the stride style; he was also a mentor to many younger jazz musicians, including Fats Waller, who would go on to become a stride piano legend himself. This album not only celebrates Johnson's musical achievements but also his role in nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians.
The album also features slower, more reflective pieces that demonstrate Johnson's range as a composer and pianist. These tracks showcase his ability to convey emotion and depth through his music, adding a different dimension to his more upbeat and rhythmically complex pieces.
In conclusion, "Father Of The Stride Piano" by James P. Johnson is a crucial album for understanding the roots of jazz piano and the stride style. Johnson's recordings are not just impressive displays of technical skill; they are vibrant, lively pieces that capture the spirit of an era and the innovation of one of jazz's early pioneers. For fans of jazz, and particularly jazz piano, this album is an essential listen, offering insight into the foundations of the genre and the legacy of one of its greatest practitioners.