Upright and Grand: Novelty Piano Solos (1923-1930)

A talented pianist who was a studio player for decades starting around 1920, Frank Banta had an elegant and flawless style that had some qualities in common with Teddy Wilson from 15 years later. Banta made the sometimes complex pieces that he played sound effortless and he had a light and fluent touch. Upright and Grand contains all but two of his piano solos of 1923-1930. Space ran out so the two most common numbers are absent. Banta is joined by singer Arthur Hall on "Looking at the World Thru Rose Colored Glasses," the military drumming of David Grupp on the final two numbers, and an ensemble called the Ambassadors on the opening version of "Upright and Grand," a selection that sounds similar to Zez Confrey's "Kitten on the Keys." On this very definitive program, Banta alternates novelty ragtime piano pieces with pop tunes of the 1920s. Most delightful are "Sweet Man," "When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along," "Nola," "Go Home and Tell Your Mother," and "At Sundown," although all of the selections are melodic, bouncy, and perfectly played. The music is jazzy, although falling into the gray area between jazz, 1920s pop, and mood pieces. The booklet is also excellent, making this a release of strong interest for fans of 1920s music.