Search - Jimmy Blythe :: Jimmy Blythe 1924-1931

Jimmy Blythe, Boogie Woogie, BLues Pioneer

john weissman | Boston | 03/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The album has only 8 piano solos, but they contain some of the earliest recorded boogie woogie piano, and Blythe's only audio solos. These eight more than compensate for a few maudlin tunes where Blythe, ever an artist, accompanies corny crooner, Alexander Robinson. Chicago Stomp, the album's first tune, is the template for the future of the "walking bass", which for some defines boogie woogie. Mr Freddie Blues, recorded nine years before composer, Harry Shayne, recorded his version, influenced various other interpretations of this 20's "cover tune", especially boogie giant Pete Johnson's.The rough and soulful, I Won't Give You None, presages the fuller sounds of Chicago "southside blues" ensembles, of which Blythe, for his too short career, was often a main ingredient. In Alley Rat Blues, Jimmie Blues, and other solo tunes on this CD, Blythe artfully mixed his difficult stride-blues style with simpler boogie woogie phrases. His left hand "striding" thru the bass clef accompaniment, Blythe's flowing and soulful blues displays a complete harmonic concept, honed and enriched by his extensive experience playing with scores of musicians on a hugh range of 1920's material, from the funkiest washboard jam--as heard in BullFiddle Rag (on this CD)-- to the trippingly blithe piano duet, (ditto), "Bow To Your Papa"."