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. Though there's plenty of exquisite, empathetic free-flowing improvisation, this trio set is imbued with a genial lyrical feeling that gets under your skin. In Lacy's case, the earnest search possesses the grace and wisdom of 40 years of playing. He knows when less is more.