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.