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Paragon Ragtime Orchestra
The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra (finally) Plays 'The Entertainer'
Genres: Jazz, Special Interest, Soundtracks, Classical

Track Listings (20) - Disc #1
1. The Entertainer (1902), Scott Joplin.
2. Magnetic Rag (1914/1917), Scott Joplin.
3. Stoptime Rag (1910), Scott Joplin. 4. Kinklets (1906), Arthur Marshall.
4. Rose Leaf Rag (1907), Scott Joplin.
5. Contentment (1915), Joseph F. Lamb.
6. Pleasant Moments (Rag-Time Waltz 1909), Scott Joplin.
7. Frog Legs Rag (1906), James Scott.
8. Elite Syncopations (1902), Scott Joplin.
9. Bohemia Rag (1919), Joseph F. Lamb.
10. Dixie Dimples (Novelty Rag Fox Trot, 1918), James Scott.
11. The Sycamore: A Concert Rag (1904), Scott Joplin.
12. A Breeze From Alabama (1902), Scott Joplin.
13. The Rosebud March (1905), Scott Joplin.
14. Prosperity Rag (1916), James Scott.
15. Eugenia (1906), Scott Joplin.
16. The Easy Winners (1901), Scott Joplin.
17. Reindeer Rag (1915), Joseph F. Lamb.
18. Search-Light Rag (1907), Scott Joplin.
19. The Strenuous Life (1902), Scott Joplin.
20. Maple Leaf Rag (1899), Scott Joplin.

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. Wi... more »th 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.

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CD Details

All Artists: Paragon Ragtime Orchestra
Title: The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra (finally) Plays 'The Entertainer'
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Riato Records
Original Release Date: 8/17/2004
Release Date: 8/17/2004
Genres: Jazz, Special Interest, Soundtracks, Classical
Style: Marches
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 682486000523

Synopsis

Album Description

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.

CD Reviews

The Babe Loves This Album

muggy | 09/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have just bought my second copy of "The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra Finally Plays `The Entertainer.'" My original copy was stolen from my car when I was attending a Yankees vs Red Sox game. While the theft only mildly dampened my mood after a five game sweep by the Bronx Bombers over the hated Sox the larceny was mildly amazing.

The thief took the Paragon CD but left some fairly popular (modern) music CDs behind.

I can only rationalize this strange theft to the fact I parked on the street outside of Yankee Stadium at Babe Ruth Plaza.

It was probably the Babe's spirit that heisted the CD. After all Paragon's latest and arguably most wonderful CD is a treasury of music from the Babe's time, and if anyone knows just a little about Babe Ruth and the Ragtime era you know that this CD is Jumpin'.

"...Finally Plays The Entertainer" delivers a fine sampling of Scott Joplin's genius along with a couple of samples of the works of his "students" Arthur Marshall, Joseph Lamb and James Scott.

While familiar with some of Joplin's works this album has opened new vistas for me. While Joplin "101" favorites are here; the Maple Leaf (rag), The Easy Winners and of course The Entertainer - finally - pieces like Dixie Dimples, Eugenia and The Sycamore supplied me with some new smiles and a tapping foot.

Don't forget folks this scandalous music is the grandfather of Rock n'Roll, so if you buy "...Finally Plays The Entertainer" please make sure you supervise your children and grandchildren if they should happen to be listening. I hope this shocking music doesn't cause them to dance, or worse, break into my car and steal my other Paragon Orchestra CDs."

Nice Artwork

PHILIPPE VANDENBOSSCHE | Belgium | 02/03/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Nice artwork, as expected from Mr. Ware, but this time, the contents are not on the level! The liner notes explain the lack of orchestration skills surfacing regularly at those times, but is that a reason to play less carefully than on the other PRO recordings (the REALLY outstanding "More Candy" and "Black Manhattan", for example)? Especially the pretty rough drums playing is an annoying setback, compared to the fine balance those mucicians achieve in their other recordings. Still probably the best rendering possible of that music, I think..."

Another Hit from Paragon

T. Collins | Cleveland, OH | 11/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As usual the Paragon Ragtime orchestra has another hit. Wonderful Performance and very informative notes. My only didssapointment was that the Joplin pieces were period style arrangements by Rick Benjamin. Nevertheless, this is a wonderfully enjoyable album."