Stride (music)

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Stride, also known as New York ragtime, is a pioneering jazz piano style. The distinctive technique was originated in Harlem during World War I 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 practised 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, riffs and often contrapuntal lines. 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.

Noted stride players include:

[edit] References

1. ^ Ken Burns (director). (2001). "The Gift" (part 2 of Jazz) [Documentary]. PBS.