Blue Black Bottom Stomp

For this transcription, I've gone back to Fats' early years as a recording artist with what was his 3rd ever piano solo recording, Blue Black Bottom Stomp from 1927.

This is a powerful performance from a young Fats, only 22 at the time. It was 1922 since he'd last recorded as a piano soloist, though he'd recorded many piano accompaniments, pipe organ solos and group sessions in the interim.

Fats recorded this in the same session with several other pipe organ solos, leading some to suggest that Fats' "heavier" sound was attributed to the switching of instruments during the session. I would say, being the much-in-demand pianist/organ player that he was at the time, Fats would have no trouble transitioning between the instruments and allowing for the change in touch. However, while exhibiting a "heavier" sound here than he would in later recordings, the swing, momentum, impeccable voicings and bluesy fervour are all classic Fats trademarks.

The Black Bottom was a dance craze at the time and Fats was cashing in on the moment with this performance.

Here are the "notes" as best I can make out.

Here's the recording for the ultimate performance reference:

   • Blue Black Bottom  

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