Smashing Thirds

Here's my transcription of Fats' classic piano novelty piece, "Smashing Thirds" from 1929. You could call it Fats' answer to Zez Confrey's popular piano piece of the day, "Kitten On The Keys".

In a prolific couple of months in 1929 which included the recording of such classic piano solos as Gladyse and Goin' About (see previous videos), Fats recorded this stride masterpiece. One can only wonder what preparation Fats did for this recording session if any or whether he composed it completely on the spot!

As the title suggests, the main "theme" features teetering 3rds and 4ths intervals and highlights the use of the fingers' ability to slide from neighbouring black and white instances of these intervals, creating flashes of harmonic tension and release. The effect is a nervous, exciting and intensely swinging jazz piano sound.

N.B. In the 2nd measure of section D, Fats plays a G# in the LH of the 1st beat. I honestly can't tell if it was deliberate or accidental as, to my ears, it fits perfectly within the "sliding between black and white notes" style of the RH and suits Fats' cheeky sense of humour, so I've left it in. Players can decide for themselves whether or not to include it.

Here's the original for performance reference:

   • Fats Waller - Smashing Thirds  

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