Giant of the Piano Roll

James P. Johnson made hundreds of piano rolls from 1917-1927 that still hold up today, musically, that is. They are played brilliantly, always with an absolutely infectious drive, and filled with fresh ideas that remain so today.  Firmly part of the so called "Harlem Stride" era, his compositions blend elements of ragtime, blues and swing and numerous inserts that defy description.  The ragtime era was from about 1897-1918  - he obviously had one foot planted in this era, but the other was stepping way ahead.  Clearly some are recorded in multiple takes as no single human could play some of the stuff I hear on these recordings.  They are all laced with a lively humor and rhythmic intensity and a driving groove that make them a pleasure to hear.  Recorded 1970-1972 on player pianos.  Despite the lack of dynamics from these mechanical pianos, or maybe because of it, the groove comes shining through!
 I highly recommend James P. Johnson / Parlor Piano Solos from Rare Piano Rolls.  It is listed on Amazon and iTunes,  and available on Rhapsody.