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When Virginia Eskin
turned her lively classical skills to a collection of
little-known rags by women (Northeastern's Fluffy Ruffle
Girls, NOR CD 9003), the critics raved. Now she returns
with a delightful collection of tunes, both widely-known
and rare, by ragtime great Joseph Lamb.
Joe Lamb (1887-1960)
published many rags early in this century, then mostly
abandoned commercial music until his rediscovery in
the 1950's. But even during this hiatus he kept composing
in his unique, almost-classical style. Today Lamb is
considered one of the three most important composers
of ragtime, along with Scott Joplin and James Scott.
This collection
of twenty Lamb masterpieces spans his entire career
-- from the unpublished "Walper House Rag"
(1903) to rags only published posthumously, such as
"Cottontail Rag" and "Ragtime Bobolink"
-- and is essential for any ragtime fan.
Virginia Eskin's
ragtime playing (in Fluffy Ruffle Girls) was called
"irrestible" by Time Magazine. She brings
an uncommon measure of vivacity and spirit to these
timeless melodies. Ragtime appeals to music lovers of
all ages and fans of all genres. American Beauties is
a disc that will become a treaured addition to everyone's
collection.
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