New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra - Grace And Beauty (review)
New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra - Grace And Beauty (Delmark; DE-214)
reviewed by Michael Macomber
The New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra is a thing of Grace And Beauty indeed. Swedish pianist Lars Edegran hit upon a simple but brilliant idea, when, in 1967, he put together an ensemble to play ragtime with a New Orleans sensibility. The resulting sound was unique, charming, and altogether new.
All of these tracks come from two LPs, recorded in 1967 and 1970, respectively. The sound, however, is as fresh today as it was back then. William Russell’s violin sings beautifully, and Orange Kellin’s clarinet sighs exquisitely. The iconic swing of these recordings is absolutely captivating, thanks in no small part to the expert drumming of the one and only Josiah “Cie” Frazier and trombonist Paul Crawford.
Scott Joplin’s “Pleasant Moments” is given a gentle nudge toward Dixieland, where it sways magnificently. Frazier’s rhythmic approach to Joplin’s “Elite Syncopations” opens the tune up, making it move in a whole new way. Joseph Lamb’s “Contentment” becomes a New Orleans funeral procession, lively and sentimental. James Scott’s “Sunburst Rag” is a grinning masterpiece, strutting along Bourbon Street with head held high.
The New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra still plays today, and is in fact scheduled to appear at this year’s New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival. Lovers of ragtime owe it to themselves to get down to the Crescent City and experience this amazing and singular ensemble.
