Dive into the vibrant world of ragtime with Bill Jennings' "Alexandria Va," a captivating collection of 16 tracks that showcase the artist's mastery of this lively and intricate genre. Released on April 26, 2019, under Black & Partner Licenses LLC, this album is a testament to Jennings' skill and passion for ragtime music.
Spanning a total of 49 minutes, "Alexandria Va" takes you on a journey through a variety of ragtime styles, from the playful "Billy In The Lions Den" to the sophisticated "Sophisticated Lady." Each track is a showcase of Jennings' virtuosic piano playing and his deep understanding of ragtime's rich history.
The album opens with "Billy In The Lions Den," a lively and energetic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. "Blue Grass" and "Down To Earth" follow, offering a taste of the genre's roots in American folk music. "Fine And Dandy" and "Get Hot" are upbeat and jazzy, while "Just You Just Me" and "May I" are more romantic and introspective.
"Picadilly Circus" and "Soft Winds" offer a change of pace, with their dreamy and atmospheric melodies. "Solitude" and "Stuffy" are more introspective, showcasing Jennings' ability to convey a range of emotions through his music. "Sweet And Lovely," "There Will Never Be Another You," and "They Can't Take That Away From Me" are all standards of the ragtime genre, and Jennings' interpretations are both faithful to the originals and fresh and exciting.
The album closes with "What's New" and "What Will I Do," two more standards that showcase Jennings' ability to bring new life to old favorites. Throughout "Alexandria Va," Bill Jennings demonstrates why he is one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the ragtime genre today. Whether you're a longtime fan of ragtime or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to delight and surprise you.
