Will Ezell is the first true barrelhouse pianist to record, starting with Barrel House Man in 1927. Ezell had recorded a vocal version of Barrel House Man with Elzadie Robinson even earlier, in 1926. While there had been earlier blues titled “barrelhouse”, Barrel House Man was the first to have all of the stylistic elements in place. Ezell continued in that style with the recordings of Old Mill Blues in 1928 and Barrelhouse Woman and Heifer Dust in 1929. Heifer Dust, as the name implies, has a rural feel and is one of Ezell’s most well-known and distinctive pieces. Ezell also made recordings of ragtime and boogie woogie. His Pitchin’ Boogie from 1929 is thought to be the first band boogie woogie recording.
Will Ezell’s complete solo recordings along with a few accompaniments can be found on Will Ezell Complete Recorded Works.