Page "Boogie-woogie" Paragraph 47

Amongst the many pianists who have been exponents of this genre, there are only a few who have had a lasting influence on the music scene.

Perhaps the most well known boogie-woogie pianist is Albert Ammons.

His " Boogie Woogie Stomp " released in 1936 was a pivotal recording, not just for boogie-woogie but for music.

Some of the flattened sevenths in the right hand riffs are similar to licks used by early rock and roll guitarists.

Ammons ' two main compatriots were Meade ' Lux ' Lewis and Pete Johnson.

Before these three were playing piano, the two leading pianists were Jimmy Yancey and ' Pine-Top ' Smith.

Both of these pianists used bass patterns similar to ragtime and stride piano, but the distinctive Boogie-Woogie right hand licks were already in use.

Today, Boogie-Woogie is being taken forward by such pianists as Michael Kaeshammer, Rob Rio, Silvan Zingg and particularly Axel Zwingenberger, whose records and performances have a great influence on the contemporary scene.