Adams,Jacob Equanimity: Piano Rags By Larry Porter & Jacob CD

Jacob Adams is renowned in ragtime circles not only for his virtuosity as a classically-trained pianist, but also as one of today's foremost composers of ragtime. In his debut recording, Adams performs 13 finely-crafted gems of modern ragtime by Larry Porter and Adams himself. The works are rhythmic, melodic, and often bittersweet, but also daring and surprising. Some are wryly humorous, others are achingly nostalgic, and still others are dazzling showstoppers, though the emphasis (as the title suggests) is on works that exude a mental calmness - a sense of quiet comfort - in the midst of challenging times. We hesitate to call it "soul" music (since that implies another genre altogether), but this really is ragtime for the soul. We expect that piano lovers will play it often. CD includes an 8-page booklet with program notes by the pianist. 13 tracks, 60 minutes.

1. Crab Apple Rag - An Inedible Slow Drag 2. Athens County Rag 3. Classical Rag 4. Garlic Rag 5. Grand Slam Rag 6. Homesick Rag 7. Peace March 8. The Penny Arcade 9. April Rag 10. Introspection Rag 11. Quintessential Rag 12. Equanimity Rag 13. Throwback Rag