Stride piano
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Stride is a type of piano playing, used primarily in jazz. The distinctive technique was originated in Harlem in or about 1919 by Luckey Roberts and James P. Johnson. It was partially influenced by ragtime but as a jazz piano idiom, features improvisation, blue notes, and swing rhythms which its predecessor did not. The practitioners of this style were sometimes called ticklers but practiced a very full jazz piano style that made use of classical devices. They sometimes engaged in cutting contests to show off their skill.[1]
The pianist's left hand may play a four-beat pulse with a bass note or tenth interval on the first and third beats, and a chord on the second and fourth beats, or an interrupted bass with three single notes and then a chord while the right hand plays melodies and chords. The name "stride" comes from the left-hand movement "striding" up and down the keyboard. Pedal technique further varies the left hand sound. Stride is one of the most difficult styles of jazz piano playing, takes years to master, and is often confused with other jazz piano where the left hand alternates. One does not play "some" stride, but plays a full several minute piece in the idiom, with many variations along the melodic line. Understanding of multiple tension and release is a must.
Noted stride players include:
- James P. Johnson
- Bobby Short
- Luckey Roberts
- Willie "The Lion" Smith
- Eubie Blake
- Art Tatum
- Fats Waller
- Pete Johnson
- Count Basie
- Donald Lambert
- Duke Ellington
- Thelonius Monk
- Michael Kaeshammer
- Mike Lipskin
- Dick Wellstood
- Neville Dickie
- Ross Petot
- Ray Charles