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James P. Johnson

A Case of Mistaken Identity

Scott Brown author Robert Hilbert author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Scarecrow Press

Published:1st Feb '92

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James P. Johnson cover

Known to serious students of jazz as the "Father of Stride Piano," James P. Johnson has only recently begun to receive the acclaim he merits. Born in New Brunswick, NJ and reared in the cultural hotbed of Harlem, Johnson spanned the ragtime era, through the roaring twenties (to which he contributed its theme song the Charleston) and into the swing era. Part I is a chronological biography, with listings of his musical revues, extended compositions, film work, and all other song and instrumental pieces; a comprehensive bibliography; and photos. Part II is an exhaustive discography.

A thorough, scholarly, interesting account of Johnson's contributions...Impressively documented [discography]... * Sonneck Society Bulletin *
The first comprehensive account of James P. Johnson's career...his analysis of the pianist's style and devices are usually helpful and clear. * JazzTimes Magazine *
Brown's painstaking research is the first comprehensive effort to place Johnson's considerable contributions to American music in proper perspective...an important addition to the literature...an indispensable reference tool. * CHOICE *
A very worth-while book... * Storyville *
[The discography] is excellent in every way...can stand proudly on the shelf next to the earlier, and equally outstanding, volumes in the series... * The IAJRC Journal *
...an important contribution to the history of American music...indispensable reading for scholars and students in the field of American music, black or white. * The Black Perspective In Music *
...this look at the...stride piano giant is long overdue...observations on Johnson's contributions to jazz harmony and rhythm—which in Brown's view make James P. the first modern jazz pianist—are sound and clearly made... * Cadence Magazine *

  • Winner of Choice Outstanding Academic Book, 1987.

ISBN: 9780810818873

Dimensions: 223mm x 143mm x 36mm

Weight: 726g

522 pages