james price johnson father of the stride piano lp mono 1999 Pedro-Cha-Cha (Fiesta Cubana) 2:24

Pedro-Cha-Cha (Fiesta Cubana) 2:24

inviting orchestral rhumba with proper timing

Stackhouse's technique was immaculate—his slide playing could sing like a voice

It's the kind of record where you catch something new on each listen

james price johnson father of the stride piano lp mono 1999 Pedro-Cha-Cha (Fiesta Cubana) 2:24James P. Johnson created stride piano, one of jazz's most demanding and joyful innovations. A virtuoso pianist from New Jersey, Johnson's techniquethe rapid, powerful left hand figures against rippling right hand melodiesdefined early jazz piano. This 1962 Columbia recording documents the master himself, recorded late in life but still commanding. Johnson moves through standards and originals with the authority of someone who invented the language.