The Old Time Rags
One More Rag
(Self-issued)
It's disheartening that many today are unaware a wealth of G-rated American musical novelty once trundled down dirt roads, cavorted on hardwood Vaudeville stages, blared from primitive walnut-cabinet radios, and gagged it up on now-mostly disintegrated b/w celluloid.
Just for maintaining that splendid tradition, the merrymaking Old Time Rags deserve laudation. Like medicine-show wagons of old, their van (with attached stage) traverses the countryside. And their gleeful presentation teems with the whiz-bang lilt and whoopee that enchanted bygone regular folk.
The spark plugs creditable for this jolly uproar take their gladsome frolic to all manners of festivals and events. And more than delightful Americana airs are offered: tap dancing, clownery, gusset-busting gesticulations, and down-home harmonizing make for top-drawer entertainment.
Laurence Marshall and Phoebe Ophelia are sometimes joined by bass fiddle-wrangler Adam Richards. Songs roll forth with the spiritedness of traditional melodies bounding and capering in unimpeded abandon. The disc is so zestfully carbonated that it transforms living rooms into knee-slapping sideshows.
"We hope you enjoy the music as much as we enjoy playing it," is Laurence's message to fans.
Recommended: "Alabama Jubilee," "Sweet Loving Old Soul," "Old Fashioned Love," "Junco Partner," "Coney Island Washboard," "Security," "I Like You Best Of All," "Ain't Nobody's Business"
Video: "Alabama Jubilee" (live) promo
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