Ragtime was one of the most popular forms of music in the United States between 1897 and 1917. It is distinguished primarily by the insistent, highly-syncopated “ragged” rhythm from which its name is derived. Rooted in African American folk dance traditions, ragtime evolved in the decades after emancipation, incorporating both African and European musical elements. The genre eventually took a variety of forms, including vocal and instrumental music, intended for a listening audience. Ragtime and blues, a related African American musical form that developed concurrently, are essential components in jazz music, which rose in popularity as interest in ragtime waned. Click for more information.
Author: Matthew Sabatella
With vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica, and mountain dulcimer, Matthew Sabatella brings to life music that is woven into the fabric of the United States. For nearly two decades, he has followed the threads of traditional folk song, revealing a tapestry of music created by American colonists, pioneers, sailors, lumberjacks, immigrants, '49ers, farmers, mountaineers, slaves, soldiers, cowboys, railroaders, factory workers, and activists.
Performing both with the 5-piece Rambling String Band and as a solo artist, Sabatella tells his own story of discovery while digging deep into his repertoire of folk, old-time country, fiddle tunes, Appalachian music, ragtime, blues, spirituals, railroad and cowboy songs, work songs, sea shanties, Old World ballads, bluegrass, and more. Audiences engage with the strength and beauty that have emerged from the often troubled history of the United States.
He has recorded and released three albums with the Rambling String Band in their Ballad of America series.
Visit http://www.matthewsabatella.com for more.
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