Tom Brier’s voluminous output of quality piano rags is highly esteemed among his fellow Ragtime artists. His Razor Blades has become a standard and can be seen as a modern analogue to Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag. Rivermont Records is home to several recommended recordings of Brier’s work. Will Perkins’ thoughtful performance of the minor-key Coriander Rag can be found on Snowy Morning Blues (BSW-2239). On Revival Ragtime (BSW-2245) Adam Swanson includes four Brier pieces, played with great verve: Balderdash, Blue Sahara, Over the Top, and Elephant Tracks. Brier’s own recordings (Constellations pictured) are available on Amazon Music and Spotify.
Few scores of Brier’s works are readily available. One exception is Delphinium Rag, commissioned by Danny Matson for the Ragtime Wizardry project. Those wishing to explore the sprawling melodies and colorful harmonies of Delphinium Rag can purchase sheet music for Ragtime Wizardry Vol. 1 (BSW-2228) from Rivermont Records. Green Clover is a collaborative work co-authored with Neil Blaze, Eric Marchese, and Galen Wilkes in which Brier contributed the B section; sheet music for this Classic-style rag is included in Wilkes’ Piano Rhythm folio, available at www.galenwilkes.com.
Brandon Byrne is a ragtime composer, performer, and scholar. Max Morath said of Byrne, “Brandon’s unique compositions display unparalleled gifts and hidden virtuosity. His music reflects the past and challenges the future. His playing will touch your soul.” For a full list of his compositions, please visit his website.
