Will Rossiter's Ragtime March

[thereallyniceman]

Here is one that I bet that you have never heard before!

Composed in 1907 by Warren Beebe... who?

Steve Harrison has arranged this for Classic Style and I have added his score to the MUSIC LIBRARY along with a midi file so that you can hear the tune. It has some very interesting syncopation and harmonies and seems not too difficult to play.

[Steve Harrison]

This is yet another tune I've dragged out of obscurity. Not too much of a challenge once you've got your head (and fingers) round the syncopation. I continue my quest for rare tunes so if anyone has any suggestions let me know...Steve.

[thereallyniceman]

Ahh Steve, requests eh?  Be careful for what you wish!!

 

I have one request for a tune that I have always liked when played by Fred Van Eps. It is also composed by one of my favourite Ragtime composers Chas. L. Johnson.

It is called:   Teasing the Cat 

It sounds a bit of a challenge… but we all like a challenge don’t we?

... don’t we?

 

TEASING THE CAT Fred Van Eps

[thereallyniceman]

Well, in no longer than the blink of an eye, Steve has produced his arrangement of "Teasing the Cat".

It is in the same pitch as the Van Eps record, so play along with Fred .. hahahahahaha!!

As you would expect, Fred VE adds his own embellishments but with a bit of slowing down and a good listening they are often possible to replicate.

Thank you Steve.  The score and the original piano score have now been added to the MUSIC LIBRARY.

[Steve Harrison]

A midi of the arrangement has now been added to the library. The speed of the Van Eps recording is almost an impossible task! I wonder if he actually played it that quickly or if  it was more a result of the recording technology of the time? I've set the midi at a speed that is achievable.....Steve.

[Dave Houle]

It's not a request as much of a suggestion and it's not too obscure but has anyone done a banjo arrangement of Joseph Lamb's American Beauty? A song that begs to be played moderately or slow. I hate the sped up versions.

But if obscure is more of your thing, how about "Turkish Towel Rag"

Piano score and Midi can be found here.

[Steve Harrison]

Hi Dave, I like both those rags and they shouldn't be too much of a challenge to arrange for banjo. I'll put them on my to do list. I'm in the process of arranging another Johnson tune for Ian so I'll have a look at them when that's finished....Steve.

Dave Houle said:

It's not a request as much of a suggestion and it's not too obscure but has anyone done a banjo arrangement of Joseph Lamb's American Beauty? A song that begs to be played moderately or slow. I hate the sped up versions.

But if obscure is more of your thing, how about "Turkish Towel Rag"

Piano score and Midi can be found here.