Customer Reviews

Syncopated Musings: Classic Piano Rags and Ragtime Waltzes

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If you are one of those people who thinks ragtime was the music of turn of the century riff-raff, Bryan Wright will prove you wrong. This guy plays with an understated, classical touch that really elevates the genre.

His thoughtful and at times dramatic rendition of "Bethena" really shows why Joplin subtitled it a "concert waltz" -as opposed to just a plain old "waltz." I also like Bryan Wright's interpretation of Muriel Pollock's "Rooster Rag." There are moments in this rag where I am reminded of the delicate passagework of a Chopin Nocturne. But he can also play with a lot of vim and vigor - like in the "Thriller" and the "Maple Leaf Rag"- in which he displays some "hot" ragtime playing.

Bryan Wright beautifully articulates both well known and obscure piano solos from the ragtime genre. My personal favorite is "Smiles and Kisses" by Harry Jentes, a brilliantly executed rendition reminiscent of music from the silent movie era.

Bryan's performances reveal feeling and nuance, without a tendency to flashy embellishment that distracts from the original score.

Technically, the album is very well recorded - never a certainty with independent labels.

Any fan of piano instrumental music from the early 20th century will enjoy this album!