Oh Willie Play That Thing (MGM Records E-184 - 1953) - Bill Krenz

Known largely in Chicago, Illinois, and to listeners/viewers of Don McNeill's Breakfast Club show on NBC Blue/ABC networks, Krenz was often called the "tallest ragtime pianist in captivity." This 1953 album is the only one of its type released, although Krenz could also be heard on many 1920s band recordings and a number of singles (some included here) through 1954. He gained some extra notoriety for his interpretations during the honky-tonk boom of the early-to-mid-1950s, and the examples included here (with commentary) clearly demonstrate why. Also included are a pair of sides from 1935 demonstrating his solo work.
00:00 Oh Willie, Play That Thing
02:53 Whispering Rain
05:29 Poodle Rag
08:13 Estelle
10:58 Coaxing the Piano
13:40 Greenwich Witch
16:22 Kitten on the Keys
19:16 Dill Pickles Rag
22:04 There'll Be No New Tunes on This Old Piano
24:17 Goofus
26:26 How Come You Do Me Like You Do?
29:12 Ramblin' Rag
31:45 Marita
34:23 Ripples