Norwegian transplant
Lars Edegran formed
the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra in 1967 to preserve some of the New Orleans music that he loved. The band has been going strong ever since, playing gigs from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival to the Satchmo Summer Fest. They specialize in ragtime music, of course, as well as waltzes, cakewalks, blues, and marches, such as one might hear at the refined Creole balls of the era. The beautiful women in attendance inspired the song that became the title cut here (half of which was recorded in the early '70s and half in the late '80s), and it captures the exuberant and elegant spirit of that bygone era. The album features many
Scott Joplin compositions, both well-known and obscure, such as "Maple Leaf Rag," "The Entertainer," "The Ragtime Dance," "The Wall Street Rag," and "The Chrysanthemum." There are contributions from
Jelly Roll Morton,
George Lewis, and
Nick LaRocca, among others. All the tunes are lovingly rendered by an all-star cast of musicians, including
Lionel Ferbos on trumpet and vocals, Orange Kellin on clarinet,
Paul Crawford on trombone,
Frank Fields on bass, William Russell on violin, Richard Payne on bass and tuba, John Robichaux on drums and vocals, and bandleader
Edegran on banjo, guitar, and piano. They swing in the old-time way on a host of memorable tunes, including the beautiful "Purple Rose of Cairo," "Panama," "Love Will Find a Way," "The Rubber Plant Rag," and "Red Pepper." It was a glorious era, and
the New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra will take you there. You will not be disappointed. ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer