Added: Apr 24, 2008
From: Keeper1st
Duration: 5:12
As a response to my last video of the very interesting -- and almost unrecognizable -- arrangement of this tune played by the Sullivans and Robyn Drivon, I thought I'd present the "real" Junk Man Rag for comparison.It doesn't get any more real than from Luckey Roberts himself. However, because he doesn't play it anywhere near like the published score, I give you the opportunity to compare that too (use the "watch in high quality" feature for a better view).I also include a small part of the home recordings of Luckey teaching the rag and talking about it in 1962 -- the only known recordings of his voice, which first came to light in November 2007.
Channel: Music
Tags: 1914 junkman luckey luckeyeth luckeyth lucky luckyth piano ragtime
Rating: 5.00 (7 ratings) Views: 613' favoriteCount='6 Comments: 17
theragtimefan Says:
Apr 25, 2008 - What talent!! A big 5*
KawhackitaRag Says:
Apr 27, 2008 - TERRIFIC RECORDING! And great videography too, with the sheet music and commentary that you added! I sure wish Tom Roberts would hurry up and put out that Luckey Roberts transcriptions folio, because if he doesn't, I'll do one myself and get there first!
KawhackitaRag Says:
Apr 27, 2008 - I should mention that it's THIS STUFF that totally DESERVES to be on Youtube where as many people can watch it as possible! Major kudos to Brad and Ron!
KawhackitaRag Says:
Apr 27, 2008 - And, before I forget, super kudos to Brooks for having the incredible foresight to record this aspect of Luckey when he could! I am so glad he did this!!!
luckeyth Says:
Apr 27, 2008 - There are some more interviews with Luckey done in the early sixties. The slowed down version does not accurately represent what he plays on the circle recording.
KawhackitaRag Says:
Apr 28, 2008 - luckeyth, who did these interviews you are talking about, and how come I haven't heard about them before? Where could I get copies of the interview recordings? I know the slowed-down version is not quite like the first one, but it's closer than the sheet music, and besides, it shows it sounds great as a ballad also! Who'da thunk? Please do not diminish the importance of these recordings, they are still invaluable (and at least interesting) musical documents!
Keeper1st Says:
Apr 28, 2008 - Yes indeed. If there are other recordings of Luckey, nobody in ragtime circles knows of them. It was a big deal when Brad introduced these 1962 recordings last November. Not only did they reveal Luckey's voice to the world, but they showed that he did indeed manage to play piano again after his stroke.The slowed-down version here was for the benefit of his 11-year-old student. The recording continues to show how to play Pork & Beans, up-tempo. In another, he talks about how he fingers runs.
luckeyth Says:
Apr 28, 2008 - ragtime circles today are a pretty segregated group. Luckey's family has these interviews and more recordings. There is also a recording of Whistling Pete which I transcribed and performed in new jersey last summer.
KawhackitaRag Says:
Apr 29, 2008 - I don't know what you mean by segregated group... do you mean geographically? I can't always make it to the midwest and rely on the scene in California, some friends in the midwest, and online ragtime groups like Elite Syncopations to get info. I would love to hear the recording of Whistling Pete... is it of the whole orchestra or just the piano? How would you say this compares to Yamekraw? I am glad Luckey's family still has his memorabilia!
KawhackitaRag Says:
Apr 29, 2008 - P.S. regarding the Circle recording, I particularly like the little Charley Straight-style break Luckey plays from 0:56-0:57 here. It is nearly identical to a break in the trio of Straight's 1918 rag "A Dippy Ditty". Straight and Roy Bargy were good friends, and Roberts was a huge influence on Bargy's style, so who influenced who? Probably a little bit each way I'd say, though Luckey sure was one of the best!
paullingle Says:
Jun 3, 2008 - I have been a Luckey Roberts disciple since I was a teenager, and am incredibly thankful for the unearthing of this wonderful recording! I am dying to hear the remainder of the interview and absolutely anything else recorded by one of the Gods of the piano!
paullingle Says:
Jun 3, 2008 - Forgot to add that perhaps what we hear when Luck was trying to remember the dates was a result of his massive strokes he had. Having experienced one myself (thank God I still can play!) it knocks the socks off one's memory! Hooray for Luckey
Keeper1st Says:
Jun 3, 2008 - Yeah, you're absolutely right. It's certainly expected for him to be a bit addled at that point in his life. Other parts of the recording include Luckey describing how he tutored George Gershwin, and even gave Gershwin a song, which Gershwin published under a different name.
paullingle Says:
Jun 4, 2008 - Luckeyth...thank you very much for your fine research on our mutual idol! I would very much love to hear Whistlin Pete. Would you have a recording of your playing the piece? Also where do things stand regarding the Roberts memorabilia belonging to the family? Did it end up at Brown University, and, is it in any way accessible to us Roberts afficionados? Thanks for your assiduous work!
luigiranalli Says:
Jun 9, 2008 - Ron, this clip is sensational!! It's fantastic to hear Luckey speaking of his rag and playing it slower. BTW you rightly compare the original version played by Roberts with the simplified published arrangement by Artie Matthews. Of course Will Tyers' arrangement is a bit closer to what Roberts played. Thanks for posting it!!!
luigiranalli Says:
Jun 9, 2008 - Luckeyth, is there any way to get copies of these unissued recordings? It would be great to hear more Luckey Roberts!
KawhackitaRag Says:
Jun 24, 2008 - Hey Ron, you know what would be great to post as a follow-up to this? A long clip including versions of "Pork and Beans" played by Luckey, and then James P. Johnson, and finally Roy Bargy! (all disciples of Luckey). Or better yet, it could have a different order with Luckey's version last! Contact me or Luigi if you are interested and need these sound files to put together said video. I also have a version of "Pork and Beans" played by Donald Lambert.
Keeper1st Says:
Jun 24, 2008 - That would make for interesting comparisons. But yeah, I don't have any recordings other than Luckey's from Brad's seminar CD.
paullingle Says:
Jul 22, 2008 - Hello all Luckey fans! I have met with little success finding further information regarding the home recordings made of Luckey Roberts. Any and all help regarding these or any other obscure Roberts aural memorabilia would be extremely appreciated. I am planning on writing a definitive biography of Luck and I will include anyone who helps me with contributing information! Long live Luckey's music! Paul Lingle
idasynco Says:
Apr 25, 2008 - Why, that's just jaw dropping brilliant! Cool having the score to look at, and the student recording! 5*