The Joy of Joplin

by Marcus Roberts

Overview

This is an odd solo piano recital by Marcus Roberts that is sure to upset ragtime purists. Instead of really conveying "the joy of Scott Joplin," Roberts merely uses some of the ragtime composer's melodies as vehicles for his own improvising. The results are often quite jarring, as Roberts feels free to change notes in the themes, alter the speeds, and just use chordal improvising. In addition to eight of Joplin's songs, Roberts contributed eight of his own that mostly have little to do with the structure of ragtime. Hearing his renditions of "The Entertainer," "Maple Leaf Rag," and "The Easy Winners" is analogous to hearing a classical pianist "take off" on a Beethoven symphony, playing spontaneously whatever he thinks fits. This CD is therefore only for listeners with very selective tastes. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	11/03/1998
Label:	Sony Music Distribution
UPC:	0074646055427
Rank:	153087

Tracks

1. The Entertainer
2. Maple Leaf Rag
3. Everything's Cool
4. Hidden Hues
5. From Rags to Riches
6. The Easy Winners
7. Bethena's Waltz
8. Play What You Hear
9. Play What's Written
10. The Joy of Joplin
11. Magnetic Rag
12. Elite Syncopation
13. Before the Party Begins
14. After the Party Is Over
15. Gladiolus Rag
16. A Real Slow Drag

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Marcus Roberts   Primary Artist,Piano

Technical Credits

Fred Chester   Assistant Engineer
Marcus Roberts   Arranger,Composer,Producer,Liner Notes
Les Stephenson   Mixing,Editing,Engineer,Mastering
Scott Joplin   Composer
Janet Boye   Art Direction
Stanley Crouch   Liner Notes
Mark Wilder   Mastering