RICKY ALEXANDER, Ragology

That elementary school teacher who taught Ricky Alexander the Original Dixieland Jazz Band’s “Tiger Rag” and other ragtime classics would fall in love quickly with the innovative, wildly versatile clarinet master’s third Turtle Bay Records recording Ragology.

In addition to showcasing Alexander’s effervescent passion for seminal century-plus old romps like “Buffalo Rag,” “Ragtime Oriole,” “Nola” and the Jelly Roll Morton classics “Shreveport Stomp” and “Sweetheart O Mine,” the high spirited 11-track collection is a true ensemble session featuring two veteran artists he considers ragtime authorities – Grammy winning pianist Conal Fowkes (co-leader of NYC’s High Society New Orleans Jazz Band) and banjo virtuoso/multi-instrumentalist Jerron Paxton.

Ragology is the natural extension of the high energy stomping and swinging Alexander and Fowkes have created these past few years at The Rum House in Times Square with bassist Rob Adkins and drummer Kevin Dorn. Setting the quintet apart from other swing bands is their dedication to the ragtime foundation while creating spontaneous, jaw dropping moments that feel like they could rip open the musical space-time continuum.