The Big Three of post-World War II stride piano were
Ralph Sutton,
Dick Hyman and the late
Dick Wellstood, who passed away in 1987. This double CD from 1997, recorded just 8½ months before
Wellstood's death, contains all of the music performed by the pianist during an informal club appearance and recorded privately with his permission; it was released here for the first time. Although a masterful stride player,
Wellstood was not unaware of later developments in jazz (he always liked
Thelonious Monk), and his extensive program even features a striding version of "Giant Steps," which he turns into a bit of a joke. An expert at interpreting
James P. Johnson tunes,
Wellstood also includes a variety of swing standards,
Duke Ellington numbers and selections by
Fats Waller,
Jelly Roll Morton and
George Gershwin, among many others. He informally talks to the audience about the music between most of the songs, answers a few requests and cracks some jokes. Although the talking may seem a bit tiresome by the third listen,
Wellstood's piano playing is heard throughout in prime form and is filled with many exciting moments. Highly recommended to lovers of stride piano. ~ Scott Yanow