Pianophilia

J. Russel Robinson was a fine ragtime pianist and composed a number of truly exceptional ragtime compositions. After the death of Henry Ragas in the late 'teens, he went on to be pianist for the Original Dixieland Jazz Band (ODJB). In the late teens and early 1920s, Robinson recorded more than one hundred rolls for US Music Co., Imperial Music Co., and the vast majority for the QRS Co. Here is Russel Robinson playing one of the more politically incorrect songs of 1920; "My Little Bimbo Down On The Bamboo Isle," by Walter Donaldson.

Thal, your banjo would really come in handy with this one.

Frank

In Harlem's golden jazz age of the 1920s, James P. Johnson and Thomas "Fats" Waller reigned supreme as the hometown piano sharks. Their impromptu performances at rent parties is legendary. Pianistic duels were the rule, and the winner would take over the piano for most of the evening. Each player (and there were many more than just JPJ and Waller) had their own special "war horse" numbers that were very flashy, hot and always difficult to play. James P. Johnson's
"Carolina Shout" was generally the standard for comparison. Everybody who was anybody had to be able to play that piece. At the time, they learned it from JPJ's piano roll (Waller did as well, slowing it down and copying the music). But there were more contest winning numbers that James P. composed; a lot of them. "Harlem Strut" is important for many reasons...it was JPJ's first 78rpm recording (on the Black Swan label), and it was cut as piano roll as well. Here is my transcription of James P. Johnson's fabulous "Harlem Strut." The calligraphy is rough once again, I did this many years ago, but I vouch for the accuracy of every note. The trio section is one of the happiest things to play!

Frank

On the subject of James P. Johnson, his piano roll recordings for QRS define the classic stride piano sound, and they are in a class of their own. Here is my transcription of a tune written by the great Eubie Blake for his show "Shuffle Along," entitled "The Baltimore Buzz." This one is in a tough key (Johnson could play anything) but it's still a great example of his playing style. Once again my apolegies that the calligraphy could be better, but this was done early on and I improved with age!

Frank

J. Lawrence Cook recorded (actually arranged) some very intricate and hot stride piano performances during the 1940s. This one attached is from 1944, entitled "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't Ma Baby." It is a stride piano romp in a hot minor key, and lots of fun to play. Enjoy!

Frank

Superb.

I have loved this song ever since watching the Tom & Jerry cartoon where Tom plays and sings this.

Excellent stuff.

Thal

Thal - many thanks - I am very glad you like them!!

Frank

Lee Sims was an extremely popular pianist in the 20s; recorded many piano rolls on the US Music, QRS and Ampico labels, and 78rpm recordings on the Brunswick label. Sims had a very elegant manner of playing, with lots of arpeggios, earning him the latter-day nickname as the "Liberace Of The 20s." It is said that he influenced Art Tatum. Sims also composed a number of original piano solos, most of which were published. Among his output is an introspective number in novelty style (if that's not a contradiction in terms!) entitled "Meditation." Although this was published as sheet music, the piano roll version Sims recorded is considerably more fleshed-out. Enjoy

Frank

Here is another one of Thomas "Fats" Waller's QRS piano rolls in transcription - the Clarence Williams tune "Nobody But My Baby (Is Gettin' My Love)."

Frank

Finally getting to the bottom of the pile, Folks....here is Waller again with Spencer Williams novelty tune "Snake Hips."


Frank

Here is the incomparable Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, playing one of his songs entitled "Mr. Jelly Lord," as he recorded on a Vocalstyle Music Co. piano roll. I do not believe this song was ever published in sheet music form (although it might have been, if only as a printed lead sheet score). Enjoy!

Frank