Alexander's Ragtime Band - Irving Berlin, arr. Clifford Essex

Alexander's Ragtime Band was Irving Berlin's first great hit in 1911, and it has been covered by scores of musicians, including banjo players! This is an arrangement by the old man himself, Clifford Essex; it has a piano part, but I felt that this arrangement is so effective it works fine as a pure solo.

Being a classic Jazz standard (and not a true ragtime piece, despite the title) this one has often been covered by 4-string banjo players. The only 5-string cover I can think of right now is an Edison cylinder recording by Fred Van Eps, which is brilliant -- check it out!

As usual, this is a "warts and all" recording -- but I've been a happier man ever since I stopped worrying about mistakes!

Rating:
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Views: 112

Comment by German David Patarroyo on October 28, 2012 at 15:50

I personally believe that when I don´t think too much in the sudden mistakes (if they aren´t too ugly) I feel more comfortable playing. Furthermore, sometimes I feel that I am putting my personal mark (if such thing exists now) when I am playing.

Comment by Trapdoor2 on October 28, 2012 at 18:29

Another excellent one, Mike. Well done! I did expect the Van Eps tremolo stuff though...

Comment by Mike Moss on October 28, 2012 at 18:33

Yeah, the Van Eps arrangement is great! I haven't got the score for it... was it ever published? I guess I could fake it by tremoloing the "come on and hear", but it a proper transcription of the Edison recording on wax would be a cool project.

Comment by marc dalmasso on October 28, 2012 at 18:44

très bon , well done _Mike ;

je n 'arrive pas à voir si ta chemise a des boutons de manchette ou non ?

Comment by Mike Moss on October 28, 2012 at 18:45

Ce sont des boutons de manchette à fleurs de lys que j'ai acheté en France il y a quelques années ;-)

Comment by marc dalmasso on October 28, 2012 at 18:57

C 'est très bon pour jouer de la musique grand siècle , mais pour le CB , il faudrait des boutons de manchette avec Joe Morley gravé en effigie ..

Comment by Mike Moss on October 28, 2012 at 18:59

Voici la solution idéale pour jouer du CB: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hrqVPXryL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Comment by marc dalmasso on October 28, 2012 at 19:33

nice ones

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