THE SKIRTLIFTERS: A Ragtime Episode

The Skirtlifters

A Ragtime Episode

© 2004 The Skirtlifters (825346281926)

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Here is the first all-ragtime recording from the internationally known premiere string band The Skirtlifters. This recording showcases Clarke Buehling's finger-style banjo mastery in the context of various period-authentic string band configurations.

tracks

1 Fire Bell Galop
2 Creole Belles
3 Bowery Buck
4 Tickle Toes - A Toe Tickler
5 The Old Man's Dream
6 The Entertainer
7 Darktown Dandies - Walk Round
8 Palladium Rag
9 In a Dixie Dell - A Slow Drag
10 Blaze Away!
11 A Ragtime Episode
12 Carolina Tar Heel - Cakewalk
13 Rag-Time Dance - A Stop-Time Two Step
14 Georgia Grind
15 Levee Pastime
16 Maple Leaf Rag
17 Sweet Corn
18 Hot Corn - A Plantation Jubilee

notes

The Skirtlifters authentically recreate the music of the 19th century riverboat, stage and parlor, enlivened by period humor, skits, songs and percussive dance. Their repertoire includes jigs, reels, rags, galops, marches and waltzes. Programs range from Louisiana Purchase to Civil War to early 20th century Ragtime. Lecture - demonstrations are presented to many age levels on topics including traditional buckdancing, traditional American popular music, and workshops in banjo styles by internationally renowned banjoist Clark Buehling.

In Summer 2004 The Skirtlifters completed their first European tour, playing to enthusiastic audiences in Switzerland, Belgium, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland. Performing at bluegrass festivals, historic sites and in the shadow of the Atomium for the Brosella Festival in Brussels, the band surprised thousands of new-found fans with the diversity and spirit of their music, humor and dance.

The Skirtlifters are: Clarke Buehling, banjos and vocals; Kent Beyette, dance and percussion; Tom Verdot, fiddle; and Thom Howard, guitar and vocals. (Purchase Thom Howard's solo guitar CD "Sometimes a Guitar is Just a Guitar" here at CDBaby.com.)

reviews

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  • Could Have Been Better
    author: George Motisher

    Being a fan of both three finger banjo and ragtime music, I thought I'd enjoy this more than I did. The tunes were very good. Some were rather obscure, but still quite good. However, the execution in many cases left a bit to be desired. There wasn't much variety in the arrangements. In most cases, the violin was overused, doubling the banjo melody and giving no textural relief. Ragtime always has repeated sections; it would have been better had these repeats been varied a bit instead of just having the violin sawing away constantly with the same licks. Another problem was poor balance. The banjo's intricacies were not audible enough on many tracks. Again, this was more prevalant when the violin was playing. There were many tunes I really enjoyed, but most of them were the ones which didn't feature the fiddle. The opening number got things going nicely, and some of the music really dazzled, but all in all, the CD could have been better engineered and, more particularly, better arranged.

  • this is OK but does not have the same spirit as the old skirtlifters
    author: stephen underhill

    this is a good recording. but lacks the spirit of the old skirtlifters of several years ago. the muscians are good but the drive and enthusiasm just ain't there.

  • Really enjoy your music
    author: Judy L. Winter

    Hi Clarke, I ordered two of your CD's, one for my brother and one for myself. Since I hadn't heard you play before I really didn't know what to expect. Your banjo playing is wonderful. Thanks for all of your dedicated efforts. Judy Winter

  • Very pleasant!
    author: Larry S.

    As a lifetime ragtime fan and sometime Dixieland pianist, I listened and smiled. Most of the tunes are well-known, but played in a fresh style. I'll listen often. Violin not present on all tracks -- would like to have it on all.

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