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Post new topic Graceful Ghost Rag
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Author Topic:  Graceful Ghost Rag
Mike Neer


From:
NJ
Post  Posted 20 Mar 2023 5:26 am    
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This is a more contemporary rag composed by William Bolcom in 1970. I purchased his complete book of rags 20 years ago hoping to get to it one day, and that day has come. I would consider this in my top 5 favorite pieces. It is an elegaic rag composed for his father. I’m still working out the third section, which is a gorgeous breakdown.

This Rickenbacker sounds great regardless of what I plug it into. In this case, it’s the Roland JC40. Such an honor to play this instrument and this music.

https://youtu.be/SDUQS5tXYwk
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Mark Mansueto


From:
Michigan, USA
Post  Posted 20 Mar 2023 7:43 am    
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Great job as usual, Mike. The track title is very appropriate.
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Jim Mckay

 

From:
New Zealand
Post  Posted 20 Mar 2023 11:09 am    
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That's really nice Mike. Smile
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Bill McCloskey

 

Post  Posted 20 Mar 2023 11:26 am    
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was listening to this earlier. very beautiful and effortless.
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Levi Gemmell

 

From:
New Zealand
Post  Posted 20 Mar 2023 6:41 pm    
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I have given this repeated listens - beautifully executed and love the work, Mike.

As someone who has always admired the great rag and stride players, especially Eubie Blake and Willie 'The Lion' Smith, William Bolcom completely eluded me until now, and this piece of his is particularly special. I completely understand why you would want to play it.

Thanks Mike!
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Rob Fenton

 

From:
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Post  Posted 20 Mar 2023 8:21 pm    
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Great work Mike! Lovely tone.

Thanks for introducing me to the music of William Bolcom.
Really enjoying your ragtime work of late.
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Mike Neer


From:
NJ
Post  Posted 29 Mar 2023 6:55 pm    
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Never got a chance to say thanks, but I do appreciate the kind words.
I’m working through several tunes right now, but most of my focus is on the gorgeous third section of the tune, which is really a beautiful piece of pure American 19th century beauty a la Stephen Foster. I hope to do this piece justice one day.
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