Songs Without Words

(2-CD set) After a brief career as rock star in the 1960s British Invasion, Ian Whitcomb turned his attention to ragtime and dance hall music styles of the early 20th century. In this 2-CD anthology, Whitcomb performs and annotates 48 of his own ragtime-influenced instrumental compositions spanning the years 1964-2009. The program includes rags, tangos, one-steps, waltzes, blues, and more, in settings ranging from solo piano to small ensembles to orchestral dance bands. This collection includes a full dozen selections that are previously unreleased. Tracks include: Luscious Slices, Sandcastle-A Day by the Sea, Lawns of Louisiana, Unrequited, Lotus land, Blazing Ambition, and 42 more.