“You’ve Got to Be Modernistic”

A James P. Johnson composition. Because you’ve got to have music.

[James P. Johnson, piano. January 21, 1930.]

[James P. Johnson and His Orchestra: King Oliver, Dave Nelson, trumpets; Jimmy Archey, trombone; unknown clarinet and alto; Charles Frazier, tenor; James P. Johnson and Fats Waller, pianos; Teddy Bunn, banjo; Harry Hull, bass; unknown drums; The Keep Shufflin' Trio, vocals. New York, November 18, 1929.]

I heard the second version for the first time while driving the other day. I had brought along a CD from Fats Waller’s Complete Recorded Works (JSP Records) for company. At the 2:36 mark, other drivers must have thought I was having a seizure.

Could the closing tag be spoofing the advertising slogan “Wilson, ‘That’s All’”? I wonder.

That’s all.

Related reading
All OCA Fats Waller posts (Pinboard)