This was more than enough inspiration to write a new rag. I was a huge fan of James P. Johnson at this time, and I attempted to add certain elements of the stride style. Please keep in mind that I'm no stride afficionado. I accepted a challenge from Robin Frost , and took a step forward with regards to harmony in a new composition. The title is appropriate because of the way I have employed train sound effects throughout the piece.
Train songs are very common in the blugrass tradition.
The first one that comes to mind would be the Orange Blossom Special . At the end of the piece, you may picture a group of young 'freight hoppers' jump off the train and watch it disappear over the horizon. This rag also contains traces of James P. Johnson's Harlem stride. Three of them play music, and still perform. My mothers parents, Evelyn and Horace, have played keyboard instruments since a young age.