Peabody Ragtime Ensemble, an acoustic Baltimore-based septet, is a “little big band,” that was founded in 1974 as an informal student group at thePeabody Conservatory of Music when Ragtime was the rage. Since then, the Ensemble has evolved into a professional jazz ensemble dedicated to preserving America’s historic Jazz tradition through performance of the vintage repertoire in concert, party and dance settings. Today, under the direction of Ed Goldstein, Peabody Ragtime Ensemble has performed over 4500 engagements, including more than 1650 school concerts during a 28-year partnership with Young Audiences of Maryland, Inc.
APPEARED IN CONCERT WITH:
Hal Linden
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Phyllis Diller
Louie Bellson
Eldar
Artie Shaw Orchestra
PERFORMED & OPENED FOR:
Eubie Blake
Alberta Hunter
Gunther Schuller
Aaron Copland
The Smothers Brothers
Roberta Flack
HONORS
Governor’s Citation, recognizing 25 years of musical service to the State of Maryland
“Baltimore’s Best”—Baltimore Magazine: Jazz Band; Dixieland Band; Wedding Music; Party Music
“WAMMY” Award for Best Dixieland Band by the Washington Area Music Association
Maryland Music Educators Award for Distinguished Service
Winners of the Baltimore City Jazz Quest Competition
Performed in concert with Baltimore’s legendary Eubie Blake
REPERTOIRE
A program of All-American music from 1880 to the 1950s including:
Ragtime — Compositions of Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake and their contemporaries
Dixieland — New Orleans-style improvisation and foot-stomping choruses
Big Band and Swing — Lush arrangements celebrating the superstars of Jazz
Novelties, Ethnic, Latin, etc. — Vocals, standards, special requests, show tunes
TOURING
Concert tour of the Soviet Union, in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institute
Featured artists at the 7th Annual Copenhagen Jazz Festival
Annual New England tour for nine consecutive years
RECORDINGS
Ragtime, Dixieland and All That Jazz
Ragtime Band, featuring the music of Scott Joplin and Eubie Blake
Tiger By The Tail
Live At The Homecoming
INSTRUMENTATION
Instrumentation for the Ensemble features: Flute, Piccolo, and Tenor Sax; Clarinet doubling on Soprano and Alto Sax; Trumpet and Cornet; Trombone; Tuba; Piano; Percussion; and Vocals.