Jimmy Blythe was a pioneering figure in the world of early jazz and blues, whose talents as a pianist, composer, and recording artist left an indelible imprint on the Chicago music scene of the 1920s. Born James Louis Blythe on May 20, 1901, in Louisville, Kentucky, he moved to Chicago as a teenager, where he became a mainstay in the city's burgeoning jazz community. Blythe's style was characterized by its robust and imaginative stride piano technique, which would heavily influence future generations of jazz pianists.

Between 1916 and his untimely death in 1931, Jimmy Blythe recorded a significant body of work that showcases his versatility and skill as a solo artist and as an accompanist. Albums like "Solo Piano Blues" highlight his adeptness on the piano, with a sound that is both deeply emotive and technically accomplished. Collaborative projects, such as the tracks found on "Johnny Dodds & Jimmy Blythe 1926-1928," demonstrate his ability to meld seamlessly with other musicians; in this case the legendary clarinetist Johnny Dodds. Although his career was cut short at the age of 30 due to meningitis, Blythe's contributions to the genres of blues and early jazz have made him a respected and influential figure in the history of American music.

Genres

Barrelhouse Piano

Boogie-woogie

Piano Blues

Vintage Jazz

Latest Release

Solo Piano Blues

Jimmy Blythe

Album - 8 Tracks - Released May 28, 2015