The Cat's Pajamas

from 1922, this piece borrows its title from an idiom in 1920s american slang - "the cat's pajamas" refers to something that is considered the best or excellent. the phrase may have been popularized by a publicity stunt from around the time this piece was issued: from the new york times (november 6, 1922) "sunday afternoon strollers in lower fifth avenue were treated to the unusual sight yesterday of a young woman clad in transparent yellow silk pajamas, escorted by four cats, also clad in pajamas, leisurely making her way along the avenue.." this exciting piano solo was recorded twice on disk record and twice on piano roll by the composer in 1923. in england, the only disc recording was made by stanley holt later that year. harry jentes (1887-1958) was a vaudeville pianist and composer. he wrote numerous world war one themed song hits which met considerable success but are seldom performed today. his 'bantam step' is frequently recorded and performed at ragtime festivals. his dozens of piano novelties, written from the early 1920s into the early 1950s, have been largely forgotten.

My cat Oaty has his new ducky pj's on and LOVES to get hand fed turkey