The Complete Rags of Scott Joplin
This two-disc set is billed as Joplin's "complete rags," which isn't quite true--there are several more in William Albright'sJoplin: Marches, Waltzes & Rags. But there are 34 rags in this set, most of them essential bits of Americana. I had been partial to a Joplin set by Richard Zimmerman, which was very stylishly played. But Albright's playing is just as stylish and he's much better recorded on a much better piano, which this music deserves. Two CDs of Joplin rags might be a bit much for some people, who might be better served with Bolcom (Omega OCD 3001) or Arpin (Pro Arte CDD 397). But for real Joplin lovers, this set is a treat all the way through.--Leslie Gerber