[Dixielandjazz] Jimmy Yancey

[John Farrell]

Butch - believe me, I'm not putting Yancey down, I'm just curious to know
why great pianist friends such as yourself, Neville Dickie, Louis Mazetier
etc. are so captivated by his playing. I've tried very hard but just don't
get it.

Maybe one day the light will dawn, I remember that in my youth I suffered
the same blind spot with Art Tatum until one day at a party after a drink
too many somebody put on a Tatum LP which totally enthralled me. He has been
one of my greatest heroes ever since.

John Farrell
http://homepages.tesco.net/~stridepiano/midifiles.htm

-----Original Message-----
From: dixielandjazz-bounces at ml.islandnet.com
[mailto:dixielandjazz-bounces at ml.islandnet.com]On Behalf Of Butch
Thompson
Sent: 06 April 2005 20:07
To: djml
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Jimmy Yancey


Jack Tracy asks

"Wouldn't you agree that Jimmy's economy of means came about as a
result of limited technique?"

Right, Jack.  I think we understand each other. Jimmy lacked the chops of a
trained pianist, but he came up with a style that is impossible to imitate.
This kind of originality is its own kind of technique, I guess.  As you
said, strong emotional content.

Having said that, I know there isn't anything I could do to make my friend
John Farrell like his playing, and that's OK.

Butch Thompson


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