Her interest also developed in the search of other Canadian ragtime performers and she now plays some of the works of Harry Thomas and Willie Eckstein. The composition was a Thomas and Eckstein collaboration. I first saw Mimi Blais in concert about ten years ago at a resort near Alexandria Bay, NY and she really stole the show. Perhaps it was the solo piano contrast to the Dixieland Jazz bands that made the audience drop into dead silence when Mimi played. This pianist has fabulous stage presence and exhibits an aura of class, no matter what outlandish costume she is wearing at the time.
Ragtime is highly structured music and the fans are truly knowledgeable.
They are often able to detect slight tempo variations and tell the entertainer, in no uncertain terms, that they should mend their ways. Success and respect are not easily achieved in the world of classic ragtime. Survival is even tougher. This CD incorporates ragtime, novelty tunes, blues, and some original compositions by the artist. This fine recording deserves a place on your shelf if vintage ragtime is your bag.