This is a set of easy listening ragtime and classic jazz. Although Terry Parrish is a fine pianist, he mostly leads the ensemble (which includes banjoist Jim Marshall, Steve Ley on tuba, and Mike Schwimmer on washboard) rather than taking individual solos. Other than "Maple Leaf Rag" and perhaps "Fig Leaf Rag," the 27 selections are all pretty obscure, mostly dating from the ragtime era, although there are also a few later pieces (including three originals from Parrish). The ensemble sound is pleasing, but the main significance of this CD is getting to hear such forgotten tunes as "Crazy Bone Rag," "Echoes From Dixie,"
Luckey Roberts' "Music Box Rag," "Bow Wow," Zez Confrey's "Anticipation Rag," and Parrish's "Billy Meets Zez on 12th Street" (which has impressions of Zez Confrey and British pianist
Billy Mayerl playing "12th Street Rag"). This set is an excellent acquisition for fans of ragtime. ~ Scott Yanow