Please read the attachment files to find the correct answers to the question/ worksheet. Give a short answer to each question (Use whole sentences!) Harlem Stride and Boogie Woogie Worksheet: 1. Descr

New York and the Pianists While most studies of jazz focus on the developments of New Orleans musicians and their travels up the Mississippi, it is important to look at the East coast and the development of jazz styles there. Harlem Stride During the years from 1900 -1920 a new style of piano playing was evolving in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood. Harlem would soon become the largest black community in the United States. On its way to becoming the center of black culture and art, Harle m was jam packed with saloons, cabarets, juke joints and many other opportunities for musicians. While New Orleans styles seem to focus on the horn players, Harlem seemed to generate piano players. “Rent parties” also became a major venue for pianists. Th e rent party was exactly what you might guess it was. A person who needed to cover his rent would hire a pianist (or a whole band), get together some food and maybe some booze and throw an open party for a small admission. Having a great stride pianist at your party would draw a crowd. Often other pianists would show up and a “cutting contest” would ensue. A cutting contest is a jam session where each player tries to out play the other. With so many opportunities for work many of the top ragtime piano players gravitated towards Harlem. The fierce competition generated an incredible, virtuosic style that was called stride piano. The stride name comes from the left hand technique of hitting a low bass note with your left hand and then hitting a chord hig her up on the keyboard with the same hand. This loping style would give you bass notes and chords with one hand and allow the other hand to play melodies and improvisations. The next page has a YouTube link to demonstrate. Notice how the left hand jumps back and forth. Some of the greats of stride piano are James P. Johnson, Willie “The Lion” Smith and Fats Waller to name just a few. The next page also contains some Youtube links to a couple of great Fats Waller performances and Willie “The Lion” Smith.