Giants of Ragtime
Last updated: 03.05.20
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Printed: 1984 Author: Max Morath
Publisher: Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation ISBN: 0793526248
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Paperback, 64 pages, (March 1984)
Amazon Review
Truly Giant, But Not As Complete!
Max Morath has been a prominent figure in Ragtime Revival since the late 1950s, and is still doing shows in the new century. He was among the first to really present a somewhat comprehensive portfolio of ragtime that we need to know about. In this case, the inclusion of Eubie Blakes 'Dictys on Seventh Avenue' and James Europe's 'Castle House Rag' help complete that picture, and are hard to find elsewhere. However, there have since been many more complete portfolios published that provide a better picture of the era, and better selections. This does not downgrade the attempt that Max made, including his notes contained within, and which Edward B. Marks continues to publish. The two aforementioned pieces are likely worth the purchase alone. But if you are looking for more mainstream ragtime with historical value, the Dover series might provide you with a more varietal library of great performance pieces. You can listen to Dictys on my site, then decide if this fascinating piece is worth obtaining this addition to your library.