Scott Joplin, Volume 2 continues the series “A Scott Joplin Primer”. Where Volume 1, performed by Alexander Peskanov, presented a very personal interpretation of Joplin rags, Benjamin Loeb’s Scott Joplin, Volume 2 performs the charts sola scriptura with an atomic metronome. It would not be hyperbole to state that Loeb’s Joplin is performed in more perfect time and greater precision that that of Joshua Rifkin.

Loeb bookends his recital with two stoptime rags. This is tantamount to never opening or closing a show with a slow number. “The Ragtime Dance” features the pianist stamping his foot during the penultimate and closing sections of the rag, which he plays more briskly than Rifkin and with equal authority. Loeb’s playing is meticulously defined. This pristine definition is all-inclusive, permeating his sonic dynamics, tempi, rhythm, and color. Loeb’s conservatism lends a joyful environment for the listener. This approach applies to his more moderately paced pieces like “The Chrysanthemum” and the stunningly beautiful “Weeping Willow.”

”Weeping Willow” (along with “Silver Swan Rag,” not included here) possess the same harmonic quality of longing achieved by Oliver Nelson in his “Yearnin’” from Blues and the Abstract Truth. These songs emote what approximates aural anticipation, generating a feeling of longing that makes such compositions perfect for media soundtracks (something at which Nelson, and Joplin, by proxy, were quite accomplished). Loeb performs these laments flawlessly, as he does on the entire disc. For those listeners who prefer his or her Joplin plowed in straight rows, Benjamin Loeb’s disc is guaranteed to please.

Personnel: Benjamin Loeb: piano.

Selections: The Ragtime Dance, Stoptime Two-step; A Breeze from Alabama, March & Ragtime two-step; The Chrysanthemum, an Afro-American Intermezzo; Peacherine Rag; The Cascades; Weeping Willow, A Ragtime Two-step; Gladiolus Rag; Eugenia; The Great Crush Collision March; Reflection Rag; Magnetic Rag; Swipesy Cakewalk; Scott Joplin's New Rag; Rose Leaf Rag; The Rose-bud March; Stoptime Rag.

Previous Releases in this Series:

Scott Joplin, Volume 1