Masters Of The Ragtime Guitar

Ragtime guitar is one of the most exciting and complex styles for a guitarist to master. The techniques involved can become very complicated and for a novice these can sometimes interfere with the spirit of the music. But inthe hands of a talented and experienced guitarist this music can capture a unique texture as well as being one of the most rhythmic and attractive musical forms known. This album presents four of the leading exponents of ragtimeguitar. Their approach to ragtime differs, yet each one manages to capture that all important element called 'feel.'

Duck Baker's playing on his nylon strung flamenco guitar has excited audiences throughout Europe, JapanandAmerica. He brings an energetic spirit to each tune that he plays. His right hand technique coupled with the use of a flamenco guitar creates a strong and rhythmic sound.

Tim Nicolai also uses a nylon strung guitar thoughhis technique is more classical oriented. His rendition of Solace - A Mexican Serenade demonstrates clearly how well classic rags can be adapted to a classical guitar approach. The shades and tones of Tim's arrangements show agentleness and true understanding for the music.

Likewise the Dutch Wizard, Ton Van Bergeyk brings his own touch and humor to two original ragtime oriented instrumentals. Ton's command of the steel string guitar is veryimpressive. His arrangements combine many elements and clearly show his love for the music of Scott Joplin to Glenn Miller! Ton has recorded several solo albums on as well as being heavily featured on the album I Got Rhythm(SGGW133).

Lasse Johansson adds another approach to ragtime guitar with his four solos. His version of Creole Belles is very interesting and demonstrates how successfully a brass band arrangement can be adapted to theguitar. It is also interesting to hear this composition as one of the sections has become very popular through the playing and recordings of Mississippi John Hurt.

Lasse's duets with Claes Palmqvist are fine examples of the