Monthly Archives: May, 2017

Clarence M. Jones Player Piano Rolls Part 2 – Jazz and Blues

Posted in - Biography & Clarence Jelly Johnson & Historical & Piano Roll on May 11th 2017 0 Comments

Clarence M. Jones was one of those rare musicians able to adapt both his playing and compositional styles to new musical trends.  As Jones’ piano roll recordings are the only known examples of his playing prior to 1923, these provide valuable insight into his adaptability and innovative ideas.  Moreover, they clearly demonstrate how …

Clarence M. Jones Player Piano Rolls Part 1 – Ragtime and Other Instrumental Music

Posted in - Biography & Clarence M. Jones & Historical & Piano Roll on May 11th 2017 0 Comments Clarence M. Jones - In Search of a Husband

Clearly, the development of Chicago style jazz and blues piano had its roots in ragtime, and with the itinerant, now forgotten early gospel pianists who incorporated syncopation into their playing.  With his immensely successful “Memphis Blues” of 1912, W.C. Handy formalized blues music as a distinct piano style. While still purely ragtime, Handy …