Pianist Willie “The Lion” Smith was one of the masters of the stride style. This…
Pianist Willie "The Lion" Smith was one of the masters of the stride style. This is a distinctive style that essentially is defined by a wide range of tempos and great emphasis on improvisation. Smith also had an iconic look. He was rarely seen without a cigar and often wore a characteristic derby hat. "Echoes of Spring" is arguably his most enduring composition. The song was originally released commercially in 1939. It is defined by a relaxed tempo, which together with Smith's virtuosic style, evokes romantic images associated with its title season's carefree nature.
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