CLEAR VINYL 180g PRESSING. (Pressed by Optimal in Germany for superb fidelity.) There is something magical about hearing a well-loved piece of music interpreted in a way that rekindles the joy and exhilaration of hearing it for the first time. In his approach to the the music of Scott Joplin, composer and pianist Royce Martin has positioned himself at the fore of a new ragtime vanguard. Drawing inspiration from gospel, jazz, classical, and even hip-hop, Martin re-imagines Joplin's music in a variety of moods, from poignant, heartfelt, and introspective; to playful and humorous; to brimming with joyful, youthful exuberance. Martin's virtuosic "rag-bop" interpretations never lose sight of Joplin's melodic genius or the rhythmic drive that animates the best ragtime. Recorded in the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, St. Louis, Missouri. 12 tracks. 51 minutes. Includes liner notes by the artist.