Valentine Stomp

Here’s my transcription of Fats’ classic piano solo from 1929, Valentine Stomp, dedicated to a Madame Hazel Valentine, owner of the popular “Daisy Chain” parlour of the times, an establishment often frequented by Fats where he would play and drink and enjoy the company, according to Fats' son, Maurice Waller's memoir.

This is actually Take 1 of 2 takes that Fats recorded at the session. It’s always fascinating to listen to different takes to get an idea of the brilliance of Fats’ improvisatory skills.

This solo epitomises the essence of Fats’ stride piano for me: a powerful, relentless momentum and swing, playful RH motifs, a distinctive quasi-counterpoint LH bass-note movement, a full, rich sound and a joyful, bluesy fervour.

Of note, is the dazzling C minor-based RH figure at E, (with my suggested fingering). I consider this one of the most ingenious and intricately thought-out examples of stride genius that Fats has ever concocted. Its classical-influenced virtuosity is certainly comparable to the likes of Chopin or Liszt. He would feature it almost identically in later recordings, most notably in his London Suite's “Piccadilly” section and in the Associated Transcription sessions solo, “Russian Fantasy”. These "devices" are all part and parcel of the hard-working Stride pianist’s "bag of tricks" of the day.

From a personal standpoint, my passion and curiosity for this particular piano solo prompted me to begin my very first transcription attempts.

Here's the original recording for performance reference:

   • Valentine Stomp (Take No. 1)  

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