Brian Holland - Brian Holland & The Ragabonds [CD]

The cheerful ragtime combination of piano, banjo, tuba, and drums was first presented on record more than 80 years ago by members of the Lu Watters Yerba Buena Jazz Band (including pianist Wally Rose). Their recording of the "Black and White Rag" caught on and helped to kickstart the first ragtime revival wave in the 1940s. In 2024, Brian Holland and The Ragabonds revive the instrumentation - but with plenty of surprising twists! Upon first hearing the Ragabonds' take on Scott Joplin's "The Ragtime Dance," jazz pianist Jeff Barnhart exclaimed "I never want to hear it any other way!" The playlist is a mix of old and new compositions spanning nearly a century, yet every track sounds fresh and contemporary in these performances by The Ragabonds. If you have a pulse - and a heart capable of soaring - prepare to smile until your face hurts as you listen to Brian Holland and The Ragabonds. Musicians include: Brian Holland (piano), Katie Cavera (banjo), Paul Hagglund (tuba), and Gareth Price (drums). Includes liner notes by Jeff Barnhart. 14 tracks. 51 minutes.