Stride piano is a unique style of playing piano that originated in the early 20th century, characterized by a left-hand technique that alternates between low bass notes and high chords while the right hand plays melodies and improvisations. Stride piano has been an integral part of jazz music, and many artists have excelled in this style over the years. In this article, we will explore some of the best stride piano jazz artists.
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Fats Waller: Fats Waller was an American jazz pianist, organist, composer, singer, and comedic entertainer, born in 1904. He was a master of stride piano, and his playing was characterized by his incredible speed, dexterity, and wit. He was famous for his humorous and playful lyrics, and his songs, such as “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “The Joint Is Jumpin’,” have become jazz standards.
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Art Tatum: Art Tatum was an American jazz pianist and virtuoso, born in 1909. He was known for his technical brilliance and ability to play lightning-fast runs, complex harmonies, and lightning-fast chord progressions. His playing was highly influential, and he has been described as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.
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Earl Hines: Earl Hines was an American jazz pianist and bandleader, born in 1903. He was one of the pioneers of the stride piano style, and his playing was characterized by his powerful left-hand technique and his ability to swing. He was a highly influential pianist, and his recordings, such as “Stormy Monday Blues,” “Rosetta,” and “Boogie Woogie on St. Louis Blues,” are considered classics.
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James P. Johnson: James P. Johnson was an American pianist and composer, born in 1894. He was one of the earliest and most influential practitioners of the stride piano style, and his playing was characterized by his bluesy, soulful style. He was a prolific composer, and his songs, such as “Carolina Shout,” “Snowy Morning Blues,” and “The Charleston,” are considered classics.
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Willie “The Lion” Smith: Willie “The Lion” Smith was an American jazz pianist and composer, born in 1897. He was one of the pioneers of the stride piano style, and his playing was characterized by his powerful left-hand technique and his ability to swing. He was a highly influential pianist, and his recordings, such as “Echoes of Spring,” “Rippling Waters,” and “Fingerbuster,” are considered classics.
In conclusion, these five jazz artists have made significant contributions to the development of stride piano, and their recordings are considered classics in the jazz canon. It’s essential to note that many other great stride pianists have also made significant contributions to the genre, and jazz lovers are encouraged to explore this rich musical tradition. Sources for this article include AllMusic, Encyclopedia Britannica, and JazzTimes.
