Chicago Breakdown – 2008
Butch Thompson
Stride piano on a Jelly Roll Morton tune
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Butch Thompson (1943-2022) was a very talented pianist who played stride piano, and occasional ragtime, and could emulate Jelly Roll Morton although with a lighter touch.
Thompson became best known for his playing on A Prairie Home Companion, being featured on many shows.
From a 2008 ragtime festival, Butch Thompson performs Jelly Roll Morton’s “Chicago Breakdown,” sounding tasteful, swinging and effortless, as if this is easy to do!
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald