Ragtime Music

Somehow I thought the sound would convey a turn of the century feel alas it did not. The tunes were great though. It's a good place for beginning amateurs like me I suppose.

The name Johnny Maddox is about as close as there is to a brand name in the revival of ragtime music of the 1950s and `60s. This CD reissue is the first in a series that includes some of the great recordings of Maddox's LPs, with a healthy sampling of the staples of ragtime music, both from the original era and the later years of pop music in the ragtime genre. The first track is the now famous "Crazy Otto Medley", and it's the logical choice to lead off the series. Formed from a number of composers, it is the perfect mood setter for what's to come.

Along the way we get to hear once again such Maddox classics as his rendition of "San Antonio Rose", "Yes Sir! That's My Baby", and "Beer Barrel Polka." The classic rag of Scott Joplin, "The Entertainer", and contemporaneous "Red Wing" of Kerry Mills hark back to earlier times. As always with Johnny's play lists, there is a nice mixture of the unexpected but perfectly appropriate, such as "Music! Music! Music!" and the light classic entry "The Glow Worm", by the German composer of cakewalks and ragtime, Paul Lincke.

Maddox's light-hearted approach and even glimpses of humor are spread throughout his music. Try the famous musical fable, "Frankie and Johnny" (no relation!) that includes at the end a couple of the best piano-played gun shots I've heard. Johnny Maddox is really at the top in this music, the result of vast knowledge, research, enthusiasm and, of course, terrific musicianship.

By David Reffkin, Director, The American Ragtime Ensemble; Producer/Host, "The Ragtime Machine" (KUSF, San Francisco)

The name Johnny Maddox is about as close as there is to a brand name in the revival of ragtime music of the 1950s and `60s. This CD reissue is the first in a series that includes some of the great recordings of Maddox's LPs, with a healthy sampling of the staples of ragtime music, both from the original era and the later years of pop music in the ragtime genre. The first track is the now famous "Crazy Otto Medley", and it's the logical choice to lead off the series. Formed from a number of composers, it is the perfect mood setter for what's to come.

Along the way we get to hear once again such Maddox classics as his rendition of "San Antonio Rose", "Yes Sir! That's My Baby", and "Beer Barrel Polka." The classic rag of Scott Joplin, "The Entertainer", and contemporaneous "Red Wing" of Kerry Mills hark back to earlier times. As always with Johnny's play lists, there is a nice mixture of the unexpected but perfectly appropriate, such as "Music! Music! Music!" and the light classic entry "The Glow Worm", by the German composer of cakewalks and ragtime, Paul Lincke.

Maddox's light-hearted approach and even glimpses of humor are spread throughout his music. Try the famous musical fable, "Frankie and Johnny" (no relation!) that includes at the end a couple of the best piano-played gun shots I've heard. Johnny Maddox is really at the top in this music, the result of vast knowledge, research, enthusiasm and, of course, terrific musicianship.

By David Reffkin, Director, The American Ragtime Ensemble; Producer/Host, "The Ragtime Machine" (KUSF, San Francisco)

In the 1950s, Johnny Maddox almost single-handedly (you know what I mean) spearheaded that decade's honky-tonk ragtime revival. His many recordings on the Dot label sold very well and are still highly regarded today. I have quite a few of them and count myself among his many admirers.

This CD was recorded in the late 1980s and features Maddox at the keys of a 1908 upright piano. This isn't Rifkin-style "classical" ragtime. As the title of the CD indicates, this is "Red Hot" saloon-style ragtime. The piano is slightly out-of-tune and the hammers hit the strings with that percussive "tinny" sound. I typically don't care as much for this honky-tonk style, but for what it is, this CD (and its companion Volume 2) is quite good. Maddox's arrangements of these standard tunes are nothing spectacular, but they capture the saloon atmosphere nicely--they are enough to keep me interested in each piece from beginning to end. While Maddox's playing is quite accurate note-wise, he seems to have trouble keeping a steady rhythm in spots. Some of the pieces feel unsteady. Still, I'm glad that the CD presents Maddox on his own: there's no drum acompaniment or bass player added as on many other honky tonk piano albums.

The sound quality is very nice--many recordings of this kind of music have been made by budget or independent labels that often leave a lot to be desired sound-wise. Not so here! The piano is well-miked and has a great "presence." Unfortunately, the CD contains no real liner notes in its 4-panel insert, just a brief paragraph about Maddox, a track listing, and short credits blurb.

The disc is also a little on the short side, just 39:30. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It's good to pull this CD out and play a few tracks at a time, but I find that my ears typically tire of this rinky-tink, honky-tonk ragtime after five or six tracks. The arrangements and tempos are so similar that soon I'm longing for a slow ballad, maybe a waltz, or something else to add a little variety to the playlist.

As I write this, Johnny Maddox is still alive and well, and performing ragtime regularly--some fifty-five years after his pioneering ragtime recordings if the early 1950s. Here's to many more, Johnny!

Upon receiving both music CD's I deemed their music quality inferior and requested substitutions which I received but they also were bad. I had a piano teacher listen to them and in her opinion they were recorded from a piano roll playing explaining the sudden rises and falls of tempo. Perhaps this is the only way they could be recorded but that should be brought to the attention of the buyer.

Volume 2 in this series picks up with more of the mix of pop sources found in Volume 1. Some of the classics of ragtime arrangements created by Johnny Maddox are included in this 16-track disc. The dynamic opening, "Dixie Medley", is followed by "The Saints" and "Alley Cat", two pieces that will immediately bring to mind the golden era that Maddox helped to define. And it is important to remind the prospective audience, most of whom by now includes a crowd younger than that which lived through the era, that Johnny Maddox was one of the original artists of the genre, helping to define this exciting music that was such an inspiration to the other piano players of the day. When you hear the current crop of ragtime players on the festival or concert scene, you are hearing a number of `students' of Maddox, whether they are playing in the style or became excited about ragtime or piano playing just from hearing Johnny Maddox.

The Crazy Otto Music series is bringing back much of the repertoire previously issued on LP, such as the many Dot recordings that were best sellers. These pieces include not only the big ragtime hits but also the deserving lesser-known titles. A perfect example of the latter would be "Humoresque", the light classic of Antonin Dvorak that underwent a number of `ragtime desecrations' as they used to be called. In Johnny Maddox's hands, not only are the finer elements of the piece all seamlessly tied into a sparkling whole, but through intelligent chord choices and melodic turns of phrase, the performance is distinctive and memorable.

Johnny's 45 albums and 11 million-sales figure, including 9 gold singles, provides the treasure chest of music now being re-released on the Crazy Otto label. Many fans will appreciate having these classic performances back in the form of CD reissues, with the sonically satisfying remasterings from Bay Records' Mike Cogan.

By David Reffkin, Director, The American Ragtime Ensemble; Producer/Host, "The Ragtime Machine" (KUSF, San Francisco)

By David Reffkin, Director, The American Ragtime Ensemble; Producer/Host, "The Ragtime Machine" (KUSF, San Francisco)

Volume 2 in this series picks up with more of the mix of pop sources found in Volume 1. Some of the classics of ragtime arrangements created by Johnny Maddox are included in this 16-track disc. The dynamic opening, "Dixie Medley", is followed by "The Saints" and "Alley Cat", two pieces that will immediately bring to mind the golden era that Maddox helped to define. And it is important to remind the prospective audience, most of whom by now includes a crowd younger than that which lived through the era, that Johnny Maddox was one of the original artists of the genre, helping to define this exciting music that was such an inspiration to the other piano players of the day. When you hear the current crop of ragtime players on the festival or concert scene, you are hearing a number of `students' of Maddox, whether they are playing in the style or became excited about ragtime or piano playing just from hearing Johnny Maddox.

The Crazy Otto Music series is bringing back much of the repertoire previously issued on LP, such as the many Dot recordings that were best sellers. These pieces include not only the big ragtime hits but also the deserving lesser-known titles. A perfect example of the latter would be "Humoresque", the light classic of Antonin Dvorak that underwent a number of `ragtime desecrations' as they used to be called. In Johnny Maddox's hands, not only are the finer elements of the piece all seamlessly tied into a sparkling whole, but through intelligent chord choices and melodic turns of phrase, the performance is distinctive and memorable.

Johnny's 45 albums and 11 million-sales figure, including 9 gold singles, provides the treasure chest of music now being re-released on the Crazy Otto label. Many fans will appreciate having these classic performances back in the form of CD reissues, with the sonically satisfying remasterings from Bay Records' Mike Cogan.

This was my introduction to Leon Redbone, purchased from "Hear", no longer in business, a promoter of the editors favorite albums by their favorite artists. The arrangements are polished and varied. A wonderful listening album of New Orleans blues.

I have been listening to Leon for more than 10 years and saw him in Keene, NH last fall. He does a great job with the blues classics. This guy grows on you!

After a long hard day at the j - o - b, you owe it to yourself to come home, put this CD on, pour a good tall one, sit back and let Leon's smooth-as-buttah voice soothe you into a better state of mind. His voice is like honey....I know of only one other album that can be as relaxing as this, and that is Willie Nelson's "Stardust". The track "Aw You Salty Dog" is a rambunctious Dixieland toe-tapper, thoroughly enjoyable after Leon has mellowed you out with the first four tracks. By the time you've listened to "Someday Sweetheart" you'll be relaxed enough to slide right out of that Lazy Boy! Get this and start your therapy! Enjoy!!

This was my introduction to Leon Redbone, purchased from "Hear", no longer in business, a promoter of the editors favorite albums by their favorite artists. The arrangements are polished and varied. A wonderful listening album of New Orleans blues.

I have been listening to Leon for more than 10 years and saw him in Keene, NH last fall. He does a great job with the blues classics. This guy grows on you!

After a long hard day at the j - o - b, you owe it to yourself to come home, put this CD on, pour a good tall one, sit back and let Leon's smooth-as-buttah voice soothe you into a better state of mind. His voice is like honey....I know of only one other album that can be as relaxing as this, and that is Willie Nelson's "Stardust". The track "Aw You Salty Dog" is a rambunctious Dixieland toe-tapper, thoroughly enjoyable after Leon has mellowed you out with the first four tracks. By the time you've listened to "Someday Sweetheart" you'll be relaxed enough to slide right out of that Lazy Boy! Get this and start your therapy! Enjoy!!

All visitors at Disneyland arrive through Main Street USA and walk up to the hub of the park. Near the end of Main Street is a cafe that has been there there for almost 50 years, known as "Coke Corner". And sitting at a piano playing fast up-tempo ragtime is Rod Miller. He has been sitting there since 1969, pleasing millions of guests with his unique style. He is one of the finest rag time piano players the world has seen, and his CD's are popular. Great way to remember your time at Disneyland. He has been training a protege by the way, look for the CD called "Doubletime", where he plays along with his future replacement. This is upbeat, happy music. You can't go wrong with this CD, and I challenge you to keep a broad smile off your face when you hear him play.

I've visited Disneyland on so many occasions, but I know that Wednesday through Sunday, from 4pm-Midnight, I'm going to see Rod at the Corner Cafe on Main Street. I first saw him when I was with my friends and they told me about him. Sure enough as I saw him play I couldn't believe my eyes. His hands are so fast, so precise as if it was as 2nd nature to him as breathing or walking.

His CD, although is awesome (well worth the 5 star rating) is just a taste of what he has in his repartoire. He knows well over 600 songs and the thing about him is, he can't read music. He taught himself everything by ear because in the end, "I know what sounds right." - Rod Miller

Anyone who gets this album is in for a treat. Buy it now

Watch out Liberace! You've got nothing on Rod! His style is so unique. I can sit and listen to him for hours, I go to see Rod play piano at Disneyland every month or so. This cd is a must have for any pianist who dares to break free from the boundries of monotonous classical sleepers. He is the best ragtime pianist of our time, hands down.

Krystal Rearick(Rod's #1 Fan)

After watching and listening to Rod at Disneyland it was a pleasure to get my hands on this CD. My favorite tune is Maple Leaf Rag.

The notes are clear and crisp in classic Rod Miller style. Just when you think Rod's fingers can't move any faster, he steps it up a notch. This is a "must have CD" if you like ragtime piano.

I used to think that I was a fine ragtime pianist until I was walking down Mainstreet USA in Disneyland in 1987. I could not believe my eyes! I have always told everyone that the best ragtime pianist I have ever seen works at Disneyland. I went to Disneyland a second time on the Fourth of July 2003, and there he was!!!! I asked him to play the Maple Leaf Rag, and I broke into tears--it was so good. I was thrilled to find that he has a CD. Take yours to Disneyland and ask for his autograph!

ORIGINAL RECORDINGS OF RAGTIME MUSIC BY JAMES P. jOHNSON, EUBIE BLAKE, MAX MORATH, JELLY ROLL MORTON, AND OTHERS. SOME OF THE RECORDINGS ARE FROM THE ORIGINAL 78 RECORDS, AND OTHERS WERE REMASTERED FROM ACTUAL PIANO ROLLS FROM THOSE AUTOMATED PLAYER PIANOS, AND THE REMASTERING ON THOSE PARTICULAR SONGS MAKE THEM SOUND AS IF THEY WERE RECORDED YESTERDAY. IF YOU WANT TO HEAR SOME RAGTIME MUSIC, THIS IS A GREAT CD.

'Gypsy Lounge Jazz' as mentioned by someone else would be a good description. Very cool combo of styles and some interesting compositions. If given the choice I'd rate it 3.7 stars.. since thats not an option I rounded up :-)

Chris Anderson is an exceptionally talented artist. If you enjoy work that pushes the vanguard of talent, energy and creativity - you must own this one.

YES. IT'S AMAZING. BEING CANADIAN MYSELF, I NEVER KNEW SO MUCH ROCKABILLY EXISTED FROM CANADA. ABSOLUTELY GREAT VINTAGE CANADIAN ROCKABILLY. AFTER LISTENING TO THIS CD FROM BEAR FAMILY, I DID SOME HUNTING AND CAME UP WITH A WHOLE SERIES OF EARLY CANADIAN ROCKERS (ROCKABILLY) RELEASED BY COLLECTOR RECORDS. IF THERE WAS A SIX STAR RATING, THEN FOR SURE THIS CD WOULD GET IT. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.