Search - Paul Posnak :: Fats Waller: Ain't Misbehavin

Thomas "Fats" Waller, composer of "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Ain't Misbehavin'," was a phenomenal pianist. Even the most diehard classical purists often melt when they hear his insouciant elegance and effortless technique. Posnak, whose photo seems to show him standing inside a Steinway, has transcribed some of Waller's best-recorded solos and he reproduces them note-for-note. If you want to hear these splendidly inventive stride piano solos and you can't stand old recordings, here is your chance. But if you're familiar with Waller's originals, you'll quickly hear that as good as Posnak is, he isn't as quick or lively as Waller. These recordings vary in perspective and quality; some of them are rather distant. --Leslie Gerber