James P. Johnson’s Last Rent Party happens Sunday afternoon & evening at Smalls -- it's a solo piano marathon, a fundraiser to provide a tangible memorial for Godfather of Harlem stride. (He lies, ignominiously, in an unmarked grave in Maspeth, Queens.)
Ethan Iverson, one of the performers, has the schedule, but more importantly, he has written another epic post, "In Search of James P. Johnson." Incredibly, this appears to be "the first systematic look at Johnson’s 1921-1939 solo recordings, his duos with Bessie Smith, 'Carolina Shout' in print, the literature about James P., and a description of the IJS holdings."
Ladies and gentlemen, your assignment is clear. Important: much of the music Ethan writes about can be streamed from the Red Hot Jazz archives.
This is a awesome write-up, im happy I came across this. Ill be back again later on to check out other posts that you have on your blog.
Posted by: rez jarmad | 10 May 2010 at 09:42 AM