Review Of The Black Bottom Stomp
As a pianist, composer and all-time band leader, Jelly Roll Morton who was also known as Ferdinand Joseph LaMotte is rooted as the earliest jazz music arranger of the time. Jelly Morton is also famous for composing chants and songs such as Wolverine blues, Jelly Roll blues and the favorite Black Bottom Stomp, Boogaboo, Buddy Bertrand's Blues, Buffalo Blues/Mr. Joe among others. Even though he was respected by many, he was also hated by fans who thought that he did not deserve the of having invented jazz music.
Some even referred to Jelly as an egoist especially when he declared that indeed there were no contrary allegations that there was anyone else who invented jazz. Jelly Morton’s style as a pianist can allude to the New Orleans style. By listening to the structure, it is evident that the song is a ragtime arrangement. By listening closely, one can discern and identify that indeed there is blowing of a trumpet, trombone and a clarinet in the background. Interestingly, this rhythm is backed up by the group of the drum set, banjo, bass guitar and all-time Jelly Morton's favourite, the piano giving the music that well desired musical accompaniment.
Similarly, the composition is given the artistic melody and counter-melody by the ensemble of the trombone and the double bass drum which leaves a listener tapping a foot in rhythmically. Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers jazz music band composed of more than seven members. When the track Black Bottom Stomp was originally produced, Jelly Morton himself being the pianist, George Mitchel was the man behind the trumpets, with Kid Ory at the trombone and clarinet played by Omer Simeon. Johnny S. was the banjo artist; the double bass drum was in the able hands of John Lindsay and drums were played by Andrew Hillarie. Musically thinking, these performers were able to skillfully fuse and rhythmically integrate the Spanish sensation and melody which the piano gives to the jazz music under the leadership of Jelly Morton. Interestingly, there are only seven instruments as they were handled by the performers separately during the recordings (Jasen, & Jones, 2013).
This stylistic features can be easily be identified by a musical expert as a style that uses aspects such as New Orleans jazz style. Considerably, in this record Black Bottom Stomp, Jelly Morton as a pianist epitomizes his skills not only as a composer but also behind the piano’s keys. Music history points out that he used to produce such tunes with his thumb of the right hand as the harmonic soundings and higher notes were put forward by the other fingers. This makes the record stand out by giving it an “on-and-off” tune that has been characterized with the New Orleans jazz tune and also musically related to the swing rhythms using both hands on the piano keys. In conclusion, the record Black Bottom Stomp is one of the most loved ancient jazz music of the time, especially for jazz music lovers. The three minutes musical performance is worthwhile listening to the track.
Basically, one is able to enjoy the collection of the seven musical instrumental combinations, considering Jelly Morton’s built-in-breaks, rhythmical themes, long solo choruses that keeps the music fascinating and randomly impulsive brought about by the combination of instruments by the performers. Indeed there is no doubt that Jelly Morton is one of the greatest jazz artist, composer and pianist.
