Here we celebrate the virtuosity, innovation and (sometimes frustrating) brilliance of jazz pianists. Throughout over a century of the genre, the piano has been a canvas for former child prodigies, creative geniuses and unconventional boundary pushers.
There have been so many incredible jazz pianists who have left an enduring mark on the genre over the years. Therefore, it is very difficult to leave out masters of the craft such as Bill Evans, Bud Powell, Fats Waller, Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, plus countless others.
One, then, must resort to personal preference. It is with this that we present 10 of the very best jazz pianists to have graced the ivories.
The Jazz Age refers to a cultural and artistic movement in the United States during the 1920s. It was characterized by a significant shift in the social and cultural landscape, with a newfound sense of liberation, hedonism, and artistic experimentation. The term “Jazz Age” appeared during the late 1910s but was set and further popularized once used by writer Francis Scott Fitzgerald in 1922.
The Jazz Age: The 1920s
During the Jazz Age, jazz music was gaining widespread popularity and became the symbol of the era. Jazz’s energetic and improvisational nature resonated with the youthful and rebellious attitudes of the time. Jazz clubs and speakeasies flourished, providing venues for musicians to perform and people to socialize.
This period of time is often associated with a sense of glamour, excess, and a “roaring” atmosphere of parties and social gatherings. It was a moment of cultural dynamism and artistic innovation, with notable figures emerging as influential jazz musicians.
The concept of albums, as we know them today, did not exist at the time. The Jazz Age predominantly saw the release of individual songs or compositions as singles, typically on 78rpm records. These records could hold only a few minutes of music on each side.
However, it is worth noting that during the Jazz Age, some artists did compile their recordings into collections or anthologies, but these were often released as sets of separate records or compilations rather than a single cohesive album. The focus was primarily on individual songs or performances rather than extended bodies of work released together on a single album.
So, for once, instead of listing albums, we will here give a selection of 10 key recordings of the Jazz Age.
10 of the Best Recordings of the Jazz Age
1. “Savoy Blues” by Kid Ory’s Creole Jazz Band (1921)
“Savoy Blues” holds great importance in the history of jazz. As one of the earliest recorded jazz pieces, it provides a glimpse into the nascent stages of the genre. The recording features Kid Ory’s exceptional trombone playing, characterized by robust rhythms and a distinct growling sound that would later become synonymous with New Orleans-style jazz. “Savoy Blues” contributed to the development of jazz traditions, with its rhythmic drive, syncopation, and bluesy elements leaving a lasting impact on the genre. Moreover, as an African-American-led ensemble, Kid Ory’s Creole Jazz Band played a significant role in championing the musical traditions of the African American community and preserving their cultural legacy. It definitely stands as a testament to the early pioneers of jazz and their invaluable contributions to American music.
2. “Dippermouth Blues” by King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band (1923)
“Dippermouth Blues” represents another early milestone in the genre, showcasing the New Orleans style with collective improvisation and syncopated rhythms. The recording’s popularity helped introduce jazz to a wider audience, spreading its appeal beyond New Orleans. “Dippermouth Blues” exemplifies the collaborative spirit and ensemble dynamics of early jazz, leaving a lasting impact on the evolution of the genre and serving as a reference point for future jazz recordings.
“The Charleston” became synonymous with the dance craze of the same name, which swept the nation during the 1920s. The lively and infectious tune, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and catchy melodies, captured the spirit of the Jazz Age and became a cultural phenomenon. “The Charleston” played a pivotal role in popularizing the dance and forever cemented James P. Johnson’s name as one of the key contributors to the jazz and dance music of the era.
“St. Louis Blues” by Bessie Smith, recorded in 1925, holds immense importance in the realm of blues and popular music. As one of the defining recordings of the classic blues era, it embodies the powerful and emotive vocal prowess of Bessie Smith, often regarded as the “Empress of the Blues.” The record became an unprecedented commercial success, propelling Bessie Smith to national prominence but also symbolizing the enduring power of the blues as an art form and its profound impact on American music.
5. “Sugar Foot Stomp” by Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra (1925)
“Sugar Foot Stomp” is regarded as one of the earliest and most influential examples of big band jazz arrangements, with Fletcher Henderson’s innovative orchestration setting a new standard for large jazz ensembles. The recording bridged the gap between early New Orleans-style jazz and the more structured arrangements of the Swing Era. It also had a profound impact on Count Basie, inspiring his own musical style and future contributions to the genre.
6. “Black Bottom Stomp” by Jelly Roll Morton and His Red Hot Peppers (1926)
“Black Bottom Stomp” exemplifies the fusion of jazz and ragtime. The recording showcases Morton’s innovative piano playing and his skillful arrangements. It also captures the spirit of the Black Bottom dance, a popular dance style of the time. “Black Bottom Stomp” is considered one of the earliest examples of a jazz composition being recorded as a standalone piece.
7. “East St. Louis Toodle-Oo” by Duke Ellington and His Washingtonians (1927)
“East St. Louis Toodle-Oo” recorded in 1927, co-written by Ellington and his cornetist Bubber Miley, boasts the innovative use of muted horns, specifically the plunger mute, creating a distinctive and growling sound. This unique sound became a hallmark of Ellington’s style and contributed to the development of the “jungle sound,” an evocative and influential component of early jazz.
“East St. Louis Toodle-Oo” was a breakthrough hit for Ellington, earning him recognition and establishing him as a prominent figure in the jazz world. Furthermore, “East St. Louis Toodle-Oo” is significant in its representation of the African American experience and the emergence of Black artists in the jazz genre. The composition reflects Ellington’s ability to infuse elements of his cultural heritage and personal experiences into his music, contributing to the ongoing legacy of jazz as an expression of Black creativity and cultural identity.
8. “Singin’ the Blues” by Frankie Trumbauer and His Orchestra featuring Bix Beiderbecke (1927)
Bix Beiderbecke’s lyrical and innovative cornet playing, characterized by a smooth tone and inventive phrasing, set him apart as a unique jazz musician. The collaboration between Frankie Trumbauer and his Orchestra resulted in inventive arrangements that added a distinctive texture to the composition. “Singin’ the Blues” achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, introducing a wider audience to Beiderbecke’s artistry.
9. “West End Blues” by Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five (1928)
Louis Armstrong’s groundbreaking use of tone, phrasing, and melodic invention revolutionized jazz trumpet technique. Here, the opening cadenza, with its virtuosic display and expressive power, is particularly notable and has become one of the most iconic moments in jazz history. “West End Blues” also introduced scat singing to a wider audience.
The band’s tight ensemble playing, innovative use of dynamics, and the interplay between the musicians create a rich and vibrant musical landscape. Indeed, “West End Blues” is a testament to the emotional power of jazz. Armstrong’s trumpet evokes a wide range of emotions, from deep melancholy to infectious joy. The recording exemplifies the ability of jazz to convey profound human expression and serves as a testament to Armstrong’s unique ability to communicate through his music.
10. “Apex Blues” by Jimmie Noone and his Apex Club Orchestra (1928)
“Apex Blues” is a classic representation of Chicago-style jazz, featuring Noone’s mesmerizing clarinet playing and the distinctive sound of his band. His playing style, influenced by traditional New Orleans musicians and the emerging jazz trends of the time, helped shape the sound of the early jazz clarinet. The recording captures the energy and excitement of the Jazz Age, reflecting the exuberance and creativity of the era.
You can listen to all these recordings plus 10 extra on the dedicated Spotify Playlist “Jazz Age”.
“Tales of the Jazz Age” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
From the syncopated melodies that flowed through smoky clubs to the flappers who dared to challenge convention, the Jazz Age embodied a spirit of rebellion, innovation, and artistic expression. It was an epoch where the soulful sounds of Louis Armstrong’s trumpet, the languid voice of Bessie Smith, and the groundbreaking compositions of Duke Ellington merged to create a vibrant soundtrack for a generation yearning for freedom. It was a time of flourishing creativity, marked by the indelible imprint of countless talented musicians, artists, and writers who etched their names into the fabric of history.
As the echoes of the Jazz Age reverberate through time, we continue to be captivated by its allure. Its legacy has left an indelible mark on the evolution of music, fashion, literature, and cultural norms, shaping the course of modernity. The Jazz Age teaches us the power of artistic expression, the audacity to challenge societal boundaries and the eternal pursuit of the sublime.
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