Free Music Store’s Ragtime Revival

On this week’s Free Music Store we go back to May 6, 1972 for the Third Annual Ragtime Revival Reunion. But first a review of what the Free Music Store was about. This from archivist Joseph Gallucci: The free music store was a weekly live performance held at WBAI’s studios from 1969-1976. The brainchild of WBAI Music Department head Eric Salzman, The Free Music Store concerts were once located in a deconsecrated church on East 62nd Street. In the spirit of the then-recently inaugurated Shakespeare in the Park, all performances were free and open to the public (space permitting). The audience sat on the floor, refreshments were served at the door, and smoking was expressly prohibited at every performance, unless you were a musician. WBAI staffers asked patrons for donations on their way out of the door, from which a percentage was split amongst the performers; the remainder went to WBAI’s operating costs.

Here we go to May 6, 1972 for part of the Free Music Store’s Third Annual Rag-Revival Reunion on WBAI. You will hear the music of Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake, James P. Johnson and a few composed by the performers, William Bolcom and Peter Winkler. The musicians will introduce each piece. Barbara Oka introduces the program.

William Bolcom performs Sugar Cane Rag and The Nonpareil Rag by Scott Joplin; Grace and Beauty rag by James Scott; four pieces by Eubie Blake: The Baltimore Todolo, I’m Just Wild About Harry, Goodnight Angeline, and The Charleston rag; Fascination, Snowy winter blues, and The mule walk by James P. Johnson; and Graceful ghost and Night Hubert by William Bolcom. Peter Winkler performs Ragtime nighthawk.

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