The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra (finally) Plays 'The Entertainer'

The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra (finally) Plays 'The Entertainer' Review

THE PARAGON RAGTIME ORCHESTRA (finally) PLAYS 'THE ENTERTAINER' is the latest recording by the world's only professional ensemble devoted exclusively to American popular music of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. With this new 72 minute disc, the PRO pays tribute to the "classic" rags of Scott Joplin as well as compositions by his disciples Joseph F. Lamb, Arthur Marshall, and James Scott. Included are favorites such as the "Maple Leaf," along with the world premier recordings of several original early 1900s orchestrations that have only recently come to light (among them, Harry L. Alford's arrangements of Joplin's "The Sycamore," "Eugenia," "Magnetic Rag," and his 1918 foxtrot setting of James Scott's "Dixie Dimples"; F. H. Losey's 1907 orchestration of Joplin's "Rose Leaf Rag"; and Carl F. Williams [c1875-?] arrangements of Joplin's "Stoptime" and "Search-Light" rags). Scott Joplin's own orchestration of James Scott's "Frog Legs Rag" is also presented. ! Rounding out these choice syncopated selections are a number of historically correct "reproduction" scores crafted by PRO conductor Rick Benjamin.

THE PARAGON RAGTIME ORCHESTRA (finally) PLAYS 'THE ENTERTAINER' was recorded using the latest 21st Century "high definition" digital recording techniques in the sumptuous acoustics of Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. No effort or expense was spared to capture a realistic and crystal clear sound that should please the most discerning listener. Of further interest, all the instruments played for the sessions were period antiques (including PRO's 1910 Ludwig & Ludwig drum kit), giving the disc a further glow of warmth and authenticity.

Complimenting the recording itself is a whimsical 12-page, full color booklet created by the noted artist and ragtime scholar Chris Ware. A trove of rare photos, period advertisements, and score excerpts, this booklet, which sports conductor Benjamin's latest essay on Scott Joplin, should be of particular interest to aficionados of that era.

THE PARAGON RAGTIME ORCHESTRA (finally) PLAYS 'THE ENTERTAINER' caps this distinguished ensemble's 20-year recording career, and may well prove to be the "definitive" orchestral ragtime recording. It is a genuine "must have" disc for both the casual listener and the seasoned ragtime collector and enthusiast.