16 Solos For Piano
Book of 16 accurate piano transcriptions from Willie "The Lion" Smith original recordings
Transcribed by Paul Marcorelles
2nd edition, 120 pages
Willie "the Lion" Smith
1897 - 1973
A major figure of the Stride Piano, Willie “The Lion” Smith quickly established himself as an original pianist and a remarkable soloist. The last survivor of stride piano’s “Big Three” (alongside James P. Johnson et Fats Waller), he kept recording and performing until the end of his life, carrying on his style and paying tribute to his late colleagues. His roots lie in Stride Piano.
Willie "The Lion" Smith - Contrary Motion
Willie The Lion Smith, King of Harlem
In Harlem’s music scene and at its rent parties, the “Lion” was like the king of the jungle: he waited for anyone who dared to challenge him at the piano, and most walked away shredded by his claws. These piano duels, known as “cutting contests,” forged the reputation of the great stride masters. According to his own stories, his nickname came from his bravery in combat during World War I. His look, with his ever-present derby hat and cigar, his charisma and his highly personal playing, made him a unique personality in jazz history.
A Career Between Harlem, Europe and Posterity
A respected figure on the New York scene, Willie Smith played alongside and inspired many musicians, including Duke Ellington,, who dedicated Portrait of the Lion to him. He recorded throughout his career, writing notable compositions such as Echoes Of Spring, and performed in clubs and festivals, in the United States as well as in Europe. He also told his life story in his autobiography, Music on My Mind. Until his death in 1973, he remained an ambassador of stride piano, passing the spirit of Harlem on to later generations.
Willie The Lion Smith’s Piano Style
Although his playing bears the influence of his contemporaries James P. Johnson et Eubie Blake, Willie Smith developed a piano technique all his own: a very nuanced touch, though somewhat riskier and less virtuosic than that of James P. Johnson. He largely sets aside the left-hand “oom-pah” pattern, preferring a rocking arpeggiated motion that brings a particular lyricism and poetry to his pieces : Fading Star, What Is There To Say?, I'll Follow You... Billy Strayhorn, composer and arranger in Duke Ellington’s orchestra, described his style this way:
"A strange mixture of counterpoint, chromatic harmony and arabesque figures, as refreshing to the ear as spring water to the palate.".
Just listen to Echoes Of Spring to get a good idea of how original Willie Smith’s playing was:
Willie "The Lion" Smith - Echoes Of Spring
Willie "the Lion" Smith transcriptions
Browse our piano transcriptions of Willie "the Lion" Smith, faithfully transcribed from original recordings and available as printable PDF sheet music.
Willie "the Lion" Smith piano transcription books
Explore our collections of Willie "the Lion" Smith piano transcriptions, bringing together complete solos and selected recordings in downloadable PDF books.