02.09.08
Jimmy Yancey, 1898-1951
Jimmy Yancey was a great boogie pianist, but with a different sound—including ending every piece in E-flat. I was surprised to read that he and his wife recorded the first album ever made by Atlantic Records, though I did know that we have his music thanks largely to Ahmet Ertegun (a fellow alumnus, I believe). More info here, including photos. Amazon has quite a few CDs. In particular, I recommend the CD Atlantic Jazz Keyboards, which includes performances by a variety of musicians on the Atlantic label. The first track is Jimmy Yancey playing “How Long Blues“, which is my prime request should I have a memorial service or funeral thing: a really great piece.
Five O’Clock Blues:
