International Jazz & Ragtime All Stars

Biography

The International Jazz & Ragtime All Stars is a musical ensemble dedicated to celebrating and reviving the classic sounds of ragtime and early jazz. While detailed historical records about the group's formation and evolution are scarce, the band's name and genre focus suggest a collective of accomplished musicians brought together to interpret and perform the repertoire of America's earliest popular music forms. Their performances typically feature spirited renditions of ragtime classics, as well as jazz standards from the early 20th century, highlighting the syncopated rhythms and lively melodies that defined the ragtime era.

The group is known for assembling musicians with deep roots in traditional jazz and ragtime, often featuring artists who are both skilled soloists and experienced ensemble players. Their musical style pays homage to the great ragtime composers such as Scott Joplin, James Scott, and Joseph Lamb, blending faithful recreations of historic pieces with fresh improvisational energy. Through live performances and recordings, the International Jazz & Ragtime All Stars contribute to the ongoing appreciation and preservation of ragtime as a foundational genre in American music history.

Although not widely recognized in mainstream music circles, the ensemble has garnered respect within the ragtime and traditional jazz communities for their authentic approach and commitment to musical excellence. Their legacy lies in their role as cultural ambassadors, keeping the spirit of ragtime alive for new generations of listeners and musicians.

Fun Facts

• The ensemble's performances often include rare or lesser-known ragtime compositions, introducing audiences to hidden gems of the genre.
• Members of the group have participated in major international ragtime and jazz festivals, helping to foster a global appreciation for early American music.
• The group is sometimes assembled specifically for special events or festivals, drawing together top musicians from different countries for unique collaborations.
• Their concerts frequently feature period-appropriate instruments and attire, enhancing the authenticity of the ragtime experience.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Scott Joplin - Primary stylistic influence; regarded as the 'King of Ragtime' and a foundational figure for all ragtime ensembles. (Maple Leaf Rag, The Entertainer) [1890s–1910s (influence enduring to present)]
• James Scott - Influence through original compositions and performance style, contributing to the ragtime canon performed by the group. (A Summer Breeze, The Fascinator) [1900s–1920s (influence enduring to present)]
• Joseph Lamb - Influence as one of the 'Big 3' of ragtime, whose works are often featured in the group's repertoire. (Sensation Rag, American Beauty Rag) [1900s–1920s (influence enduring to present)]

Key Collaborators

• Various Traditional Jazz and Ragtime Musicians - The ensemble typically features a rotating cast of accomplished jazz and ragtime performers, often including notable pianists, brass, and reed players from the international scene. (Live performances, festival appearances, ensemble recordings) [2000s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Contemporary Ragtime and Traditional Jazz Musicians - By keeping ragtime performance traditions alive, the group inspires new musicians to explore and perform early jazz and ragtime. (Festival performances, educational workshops) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The Entertainer (Ragtime: The Complete Works Of Scott Joplin)
2. Sugarcane Rag (Ragtime: The Complete Works Of Scott Joplin)
3. Fig Leaf Rag (Ragtime Masters Series: Scott Joplin)
4. Kismet Rag (Ragtime Masters Series: Scott Joplin)
5. Maple Leaf Rag (Ragtime: The Complete Works Of Scott Joplin)
6. Champagne Rag (Ragtime Hard To Find Classics)
7. Magnetic Rag (Ragtime: The Complete Works Of Scott Joplin)
8. Something Doing (Ragtime: The Complete Works Of Scott Joplin)
9. Ragtime Nightingale (Ragtime Hard To Find Classics)
10. Easy Winners (Ragtime: The Complete Works Of Scott Joplin)

External Links

• Spotify