Stride piano is a style of piano playing that emerged in the early 20th century, particularly popular during the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by a dynamic and rhythmic approach, emphasizing a strong left hand technique with a steady bass line, while the right hand plays syncopated melodies, chords, and improvised embellishments. The term "stride" refers to the large hand movements pianists make when they leap from a low bass note to a chord or high melody note, creating a unique stride or jump effect.
The left hand of a stride pianist often plays a boogie-woogie or ragtime bass pattern, alternating between low octaves, tenths, or chords. Meanwhile, the right hand explores different rhythms, creating melodic variations, improvising with flourishes, and incorporating bluesy, jazzy, or ragtime elements. This style of playing allows the pianist to showcase their virtuosic skills and deliver a full, orchestral sound, hence its popularity during the early jazz era.
Stride piano is closely associated with renowned pianists such as James P. Johnson, Fats Waller, Willie "The Lion" Smith, and Art Tatum, who greatly contributed to its development and brought it to a broader audience. It influenced subsequent piano styles, including boogie-woogie, swing, and modern jazz.
Today, stride piano continues to be admired and performed by dedicated musicians, as it exemplifies the exhilarating energy and unmistakable swing of early jazz. Its syncopated rhythms, complex harmonies, and sense of improvisation make it a significant contribution to the rich history of piano playing and jazz music as a whole.
