Regarding my comment on James P. Johson, I have the cd, Victory Stride, in collection. I hadn't played it in years. I played it again and feel the music isn't very symphonic, more an expansion of 20's style show music. It pales in comparison to Duke Ellington. I listened to a great release of the Duke's Vdisc recordings, featuring some his longer form pieces, Deep South Suite, Frankie and Johnny parts 1&2, and more. 3 cds, good cross section of songs. The band is in top form!
Side note, listening to an NPR interview with the curator of the MET Harlem Renaissance exhibit, a show there from 1967, Harlem On My Mind, had no Black artists!
I've heard of James Reese before, like you say not much to go on. I've also heard James P. Johnson composed a lot works for orchestras, bands, which has not been deeply explored?
Kudos to Jason Moran. Not only is he a gifted musician, but also a moral force. Thank you for bringing this music to our attention -- I (and I am sure many others) will be checking it out.
Regarding my comment on James P. Johson, I have the cd, Victory Stride, in collection. I hadn't played it in years. I played it again and feel the music isn't very symphonic, more an expansion of 20's style show music. It pales in comparison to Duke Ellington. I listened to a great release of the Duke's Vdisc recordings, featuring some his longer form pieces, Deep South Suite, Frankie and Johnny parts 1&2, and more. 3 cds, good cross section of songs. The band is in top form!
Side note, listening to an NPR interview with the curator of the MET Harlem Renaissance exhibit, a show there from 1967, Harlem On My Mind, had no Black artists!
I've heard of James Reese before, like you say not much to go on. I've also heard James P. Johnson composed a lot works for orchestras, bands, which has not been deeply explored?
Kudos to Jason Moran. Not only is he a gifted musician, but also a moral force. Thank you for bringing this music to our attention -- I (and I am sure many others) will be checking it out.