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FREDERICK HODGES Manhattan Serenade: Piano Masterpieces of the Jazz Age Rivermont BSW-2219 The first decades of the twentieth century witnessed the flowering of an exciting new style of piano composition that fused European classical music traditions with the popular music styles of the New World. George Gershwin's music is highly representative of this tradition, but with this recording, pianist Frederick Hodges and Rivermont present a major recital of some of the lesser known gems of piano writing that emerged during the flood of creativity that distinguishes this era. "Manhattan Serenade" features works by Billy Mayerl, Rube Bloom, Louis Alter, George L. Cobb, and others -- masterfully performed in Hodges's signature crisp, scintillating style. Hailed by the press, audiences, and his fellow musicians as one of the best ragtime and "novelty" pianists in the world, Frederick Hodges is sought after by today's foremost orchestras, festivals, conductors, and collaborative musicians. His absolute artistry, virtuosity, and charisma have brought him to the world's most renowned stages numerous times. He has appeared on national radio, television, and in several Hollywood films. He is also a sought-after silent film accompanist for both live performances and on DVD. He performs regularly at the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, the Redding Silent Film Festival, and the Cinecon Film Festival in Hollywood. This CD includes a deluxe 24-page full-color booklet with reproductions of original sheet music covers and detailed liner notes by the artist. 78 minutes. CD Sold Out This album may still be purchased as an MP3 download from Amazon.com: Click on the buttons to hear full-quality audio samples of selected tracks. 1. Manhattan Serenade Louis Alter 2. Dolly Dimples Louis Alter 3. Syncopated Love Song Dana Suesse - Nat Shilkret 4. Serenade to a Skyscraper Dana Suesse 5. Shreveport Stomp Jelly Roll Morton 6. Aquarium Suite: Willow Moss Billy Mayerl 7. Aquarium Suite: Moorish Idol Billy Mayerl 8. Aquarium Suite: Fantail Billy Mayerl 9. Aquarium Suite: Whirligig Billy Mayerl 10. The Joker Billy Mayerl 11. Sweet William Billy Mayerl 12. Estelle Frankie Carle 13. Silhouette Rube Bloom 14. Sapphire Rube Bloom 15. That Futuristic Rag Rube Bloom 16. Aunt Jemima's Birthday Rube Bloom 17. Society Blues James Blythe 18. The Cyclone Ferdie Grofe 19. Chromatic Capers George L. Cobb 20. Feeding the Kitty George L. Cobb 21. Russianova Bert Grant - Cecil Arnold 22. Variations on "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee" Hodges - Gilbert - Muir Credits: Recording engineer: Dix Bruce / Mastering: Jim Nunally / Liner notes: Frederick Hodges / Cover art and booklet layout: Bryan Wright