Sue Keller's favorite ragtime composer is the once-famous but now underrated Charles Johnson. On this well-rounded and thoroughly delightful set,
Keller performs 20 of Johnson's best pieces (mostly rags with a march and a waltz tossed in), some of which Johnson had originally written under aliases. They date from 1899-1918, with the concluding "Monkey Biznez" being from 1928. The pianist really digs into the material and plays at her very best throughout, bringing out the beauty in Johnson's songs. All in all, this is arguably
Sue Keller's finest recording to date and a highly recommended acquisition for ragtime collectors. ~ Scott Yanow