10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ragtime Orchestras from the late 1800's to early 1900's..., October 12, 2000
This review is from: Ragtime 1 (Audio CD)
This historical and enjoyable CD re-issues some very rare Ragtime, but not you're typical Ragtime piano solo. This is ragtime being played by dance orchestras and small groups a the peak of it's popularity. Many people think of ragtime as just being played by piano, well during the late 1800's early 1900's ragtime bands were quite popular, though they didn't improvise(ragtime is completely written out) they are full of syncopation. Fans of traditional jazz will enjoy this, even though there is no improvising, there is a lot of hot syncopation, and it's just enjoyable music. Such lehendary bands as Arthur Pryor's Band, Edison Grand Concert Band, Handy's Orchestra and Eubie Blake Trio. Some highlights include Silence and Fun ["A Ragtime Oddity"] performed by Sousa's Band, Jazzing Around performed by Eubie Blake Trio, Coon Band Contest performed by Arthur Pryor's Band, Dallas Blues performed by Wilbur Sweatman's Original Jazz Band, and a highly enjoyable Music Box Rag performed by Victor Military Band. The music on this CD is joyous and fun, and is recommedned to traditioanl and vintage jazz collectors.
I also have to highly recomend two CD's by a new band called The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, they re-create the ragtime band of Arthur Pryor on their two finest CD's "On The Boardwalk" and "The Whistler & His Dog," both are essential.
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