Customer Reviews

Snowy Morning Blues

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't agree with the previous reviewer about this CD. The 1944 Decca sides have a fundamental flaw as far as assessing Johnson is concerned: the irritating and unneccesary drum accompaniment which largely drowns out James P's outstanding but under-recorded left hand, an essential ingredient of stride piano. Both the Waller sides and the Johnson originals lose a great deal from this: compare "Keep Off the Grass" with the 1921 version on Classics to see what is missing from this set.

Johnson was a great pianist, but this CD does not do him justice. The Fats Waller tunes can be heard in their superior drumless recordings on Classics, and those who want a single taster of Johnson are advised to go for the Smithsonian 1942-45 set.

I've had this disc in my collection for over a year now, and I still find myself pulling it out to play frequently. The remastering of Johnson's 1940s Decca recordings is superb, and the complete discography included is very helpful as well. The recordings are pleasant enough, although purists may complain about the added drummer on most tracks (the liner notes indicate that the drummer was added to "help" Johnson, who had suffered a stroke not long before the bulk of these tracks were recorded). Johnson's playing is superb, with everything you'd expect from the "father" of stride piano: clean and crisp, with lots of energy! All of Johnson's classics are here, and along with the Smithsonian Folkways James P. Johnson disc, this is a CD that every early jazz fan should have. Highly recommended!

James P. Johnson(the man who tought Fats Waller how to play stride) is featured here in these incredibly enjoyable 1940's Decca side. Among the many classics here are "Blue Turning Grey Over You" "Aint Misbehavin'" and "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down & Write Myself A Letter." Though every track is a classic. This CD has chrystal clarity and is highly recommended to fans of stride piano, and traditional jazz. This is some of the best stride piano playing ever, it bel;ongs in every jazz lovers library.