Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsGood as Gold!
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2016
This is a wonderful collection of the main Scott Joplin songs from the glory days of 1890s and early 1900s ragtime music (of which Joplin is King). Robert Strickland performs all these "essential hits" with the perfect feel for Joplin's sound, with only piano on all of these tracks. I can't think of any other recording of "Maple Leaf Rag" that has sounded as good as the one on this disc. His touching softness on "Bethena" was top-shelf performing. I have to say that Marvin Hamlisch's work for the soundtrack to the 1973 classic "Best Picture" winner THE STING first made me aware of Joplin's music as a child (as well as my grandfather's playing "Maple Leaf Rag" fast and furious on his piano.) Such good memories were brought back when I heard "Easy Winners" and "The Entertainer," which were highlights on that film's popular soundtrack. A number of these songs I had only heard for the first time when I bought this CD, and I was not disappointed! I strongly recommend this CD to anyone looking for high-quality performances of Joplin' music!
