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Historic Ragtime Recordings (Piano)
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Reunion in RagtimeReunion in Ragtime by Bob Darch
Buy used from: $75.00
The ultimate ragtime recording. One of the best examples of how ragtime was played in its heyday. Bob Darch organized this reunion of pianists Eubie Blake, Joe Jordan, and Charles Thompson in 1962.
The Complete Library of Congress RecordingsThe Complete Library of Congress Recordings by Jelly Roll Morton
Buy used from: $88.48
A complete eight CD set featuring all of Jelly Roll Morton's Library of Congress recordings! There were four other CDs released from the sessions, but none have any of the interviews or priceless stories.
That's Ragtime!That's Ragtime! by Eubie Blake
Buy used from: $49.98
This is the best compilation of Eubie's talents, mainly because the recordings are from earlier in his 96 years. Also includes tracks never released from the Golden Reunion in Ragtime!
Joplin's DiscipleJoplin's Disciple by Brun Campbell
Buy new: $16.99 / Used from: $10.00
Brun Campbell was a traveling folk ragtime pianist. His claim to faim in later years was being 'Scott Joplin's only white pupil' (there were actually others). It's fasicnating to hear him play and discuss ragtime music.
The Neglected ProfessorThe Neglected Professor
Buy new: $16.99 / Used from: $5.98
A largely 'neglected' CD of rare live recordings of Charley Thompson from the early 1960s. I would even buy this just for the liner notes!
The Circle RecordingsThe Circle Recordings
Buy new: $15.99 / Used from: $18.60
For the six Lucky Roberts tracks, this is a must. The recordings were made in 1946, when he was in top form playing his best compositions. The Sutton takes are probably his earliest, and date from the late 40s -- also tops.
Harlem Stride Piano 1921-1929Harlem Stride Piano 1921-1929 by James Johnson
Buy used from: $49.90
The ultimate collection of James P. Johnson recordings. Sound quality is excelent.
The Original James P. Johnson 1942-1945The Original James P. Johnson 1942-1945 by James P. Johnson
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $14.43
Recordings from later in Johnson's life, including his rhapsody, 'Yamekraw.'
Recorded 1959-1961Recorded 1959-1961 by Donald Lambert
Buy used from: $46.60
This CD has rare private recordings of an incredible stride pianist named Donald Lambert. I hear he couldn't read words or music!
Giant Stride Harlem PianoGiant Stride Harlem Piano by Donald Lambert
Buy new: $15.99 / Used from: $36.72
More Don Lambert. This guy should have been much more famous than Fats, but sadly not. This was his only album produced during his lifetime -- much better sound quality (actually released three weeks after his death). No rags here; simply amazing arrangements of popular songs.
Luckey & the Lion: Harlem PianoLuckey & the Lion: Harlem Piano by Luckey Roberts & Willie "The Lion" Smith
Buy new: $14.98 / Used from: $8.47
A nice release of a Good Times Jazz album from 1958, with marvelous piano solos by Lucky Roberts and Willie 'the Lion' Smith. Sounds like a concert hall.
Handful of KeysHandful of Keys by Fats Waller
Buy new: $24.99 / Used from: $11.69
This is the definitive and almost all inclusive collection of recordings of Fats. Another good compilation is the Centennial Collection that includes a bonus disc with every film of Fats.
Last Sessions: The Complete General RecordingsLast Sessions: The Complete General Recordings by Jelly Roll Morton
Buy new: $14.98 / Used from: $8.58
Recordings of Jelly from later in his life, including one of my favorite of his tunes, 'Mr. Joe.' I think this should include 'Fingerbreaker,' but unfortunately it wasn't released by General.
1923-19241923-1924 by Jelly Roll Morton
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $6.85
Nice early recordings of Jelly Roll Morton.
Lion & the LambLion & the Lamb by Willie "The Lion" Smith
Buy new: $18.98 / Used from: $17.36
Willie 'the Lion' Smith was a much better composer than pianist. I recommend this because it includes my favorites of his tunes ('Echoes of Spring,' 'Rippling Waters,' and 'Fingerbuster').
The Alternative Takes: Great Jazz Pianists 1935-1949The Alternative Takes: Great Jazz Pianists 1935-1949 by Various Artists
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $40.35
Some very, very rare recordings of some interesting jazz-time characters. The Morton recordings are the best here.
Mr. Johnson Signing OffMr. Johnson Signing Off by Dink Johnson
Buy new: $16.99 / Used from: $5.38
Recordings of Morton's brother-in-law, Ollie 'Dink' Johnson.
Piano PlayersPiano Players by Dink Johnson
Buy new: $15.99 / Used from: $6.98
Some more Dink Johnson and never-before released Charley Thompson sides. These are Thompson's earliest and best recordings.
Keyboard Wizards Of The Gershwin Era, Vol.4Keyboard Wizards Of The Gershwin Era, Vol.4 by Zez Confrey
Buy used from: $20.00
A great collection of rare recordings of Zez Confrey, including some with instrumental accompaniment. One track, 'That Old Piano Roll Band,' even includes him singing.
Zez Confrey Piano Rolls and ScoresZez Confrey Piano Rolls and Scores
Buy used from: $6.00
Artis Wodehouse has done a good job here recording Zez Confrey's piano rolls, smoothing out rhythms, adding dynamics, etc. She also plays a few pieces herself. You can't tell if it's a roll or her.
Keyboard Wizards of the Gershwin Era, Vol. 3 / Arden and OhmanKeyboard Wizards of the Gershwin Era, Vol. 3 / Arden and Ohman by Arden and Ohman
Buy new: $17.98 / Used from: $7.00
The seven Keyboard Wizards of the Gershwin Era CDs are fantastic. Vol. 3 is a whole CD devoted to that miraculous novelty duo... Arden and Ohman!
Keyboard Wizards of the Gershwin Era, Vol. 5Keyboard Wizards of the Gershwin Era, Vol. 5 by Various Artists
Buy used from: $45.00
Here is Vol. 5, which includes Felix Arndt (composer of Nola), Mike Bernard, Roy Bargy, Frank Banta, and Rube Bloom. Wonderful novelty piano!
Keyboard Wizards of the Gershwin Era, Vol. 6Keyboard Wizards of the Gershwin Era, Vol. 6
Buy used from: $55.00
Vol. 6 includes recordings of Muriel Pollock (composer of the great "Rooster Rag"), with her partners Vee Lawnhurst and Constance Mering.
The Greatest Ragtime of the CenturyThe Greatest Ragtime of the Century
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $6.51
Piano rolls played by many greats of the era. Of interest here are three rolls hand played by Joplin himself. A differrent take on 'Maple Leaf' came out on the Uni-Record label, but it is not on CD.
Elite Syncopations: Classic Ragtime from Rare Piano RollsElite Syncopations: Classic Ragtime from Rare Piano Rolls
Buy new: $9.98 / Used from: $6.31
This CD includes recordings of two more rolls Joplin recorded in 1916. The rest are mostly arranged rolls -- not very good. Joplin recorded a 7th roll, which has recently been discovered.
They Tore My Playhouse DownThey Tore My Playhouse Down by Burt Bales and Paul Lingle
Buy used from: $10.00
Includes recordings of two old-time pianists, Burt Bales and Paul Lingle.