Johnson, one of the giants of the Harlem Stride piano style, grew up listening to the ragtime music of Scott Joplin and composed a number of hit tunes, including "Charleston." His style differed from ragtime by featuring a more freely swinging rhythm, a degree of anticipation of the left hand by the right hand, elements of the blues, more complex harmonies, and the beginnings of improvisation.
He plays his composition, "Carolina Shout," here:
In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends Johnson's album, "The Original James P. Johnson" (Folkways). Jim Determan also recommends his "Snowy Morning Blues" (Verve) and "Father of the Stride Piano" (Sony).
- "The Original James P. Johnson" (Folkways). Purchase the CD at Barnes & Noble.
- "Snowy Morning Blues" (Verve). Purchase the CD at Barnes & Noble.
- "Father of the Stride Piano" (Sony). Purchase the CD at Amazon.com.
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