Dick Wellstood

This LP was released shortly after the movie The Sting, which featured Scott Joplin's music, and became a hit. Suddenly, ragtime was being revived after over 55 years of being underground. Dick Wellstood, a brilliant stride pianist who had already been active on the trad jazz scene for a quarter-century, was enlisted to perform a variety of Scott Joplin tunes for this album. His interpretations of the dozen rags are tasteful and straightforward. Naturally, "The Entertainer" and "Maple Leaf Rag" are here, but so are "Gladiolus Rag," "Sunflower Slow Drag," "The Ragtime Dance," and "The Cascades." Although not as essential as Wellstood's stride albums, this is a solid set of respectfully performed ragtime. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide