Music Style Ragtime Orchestra

Musical Influences Scott Joplin, John Philip Sousa, Victor Orchestra, "Palm Court" and Society Orchestras

Artist History In 1967 a group of ragtime fans in Los Angeles formed the Maple Leaf Club which was dedicated to the preservation of classic ragtime. Professor David E. Bourne (Professional ragtime pianists originally were accorded the title of “Professor” for which Mr. Bourne certainly qualified.) assembled some top orchestral musicians to play informal ragtime at the club’s bimonthly meets. In 1968 ragtime pianist Richard Zimmerman purchased a library of some 1,400 vintage orchestrations which had been the property of Schmauch’s Orchestra of Hazelton, PA. With an endless source of material now at his disposal, Bourne expanded the group to nine pieces. The enthusiastic reaction which the orchestra received at Maple Leaf Club meets led to the 1971 and 1972 Hollywood recording sessions which produced these tracks. The Maple Leaf Club still publishes its newsletter and boasts a worldwide membership.

Group Members David E. Bourne, leader and cornet — A graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in music, David Bourne taught public school two years before becoming a professional musician specializing in piano ragtime and authentic western music. He was a founding member of the Maple Leaf Club. It was through his efforts that this orchestra was assembled, rehearsed and recorded.Jack Malek, violin — Jack studied violin at the Greenwich House Music School in New York and played in symphony orchestras both in New York and California. He was also an engineer with Mattel, Inc. Donna McCluer, violin — A graduate of California State College at Fullerton with a degree in music, Donna also taucght piano and guitar in addition to training horses. Mike Baird, clarinet — A graduate of U.C.L.A. with a degree in English, Mike recorded two albums with Ted Shafer’s Jelly Roll Jazz Band and also composed and arranged scores for several animated films. Jack Langlos, trumpet — Jack held a degree in clinical psychology , played in the Los Angeles Doctors’ Symphony and recorded with numerous bands including Turk Murphy’s and Ted Shafer’s. He also led his own dixieland band for over ten years. Dave Kennedy, trombone — A graduate of the University of Miami, Dave played in one of the last vaudeville theaters as well as in circus bands. He recorded with Ted Shafer’s Jelly Roll Jazz Band, Jack Langlos’ Thee Saints and Bob Russell’s Southland Seven. Art Levin, tuba — Art was active in numerous jazz bands during the 50’s and 60’s and a long-time member of the Southern California Hot Jazz Society Marching Band. A one-time dog catcher, he was a senior animal keeper at the Los Angeles Zoo. Richard Zimmerman, piano — A graduate of Stanford University, Zimmerman was a game designer for Mattel, Inc. as well as a nationally-known scholar and ragtime pianist. He was the only person ever to record the complete works of Scott Joplin. Roy Roten, percussion — Roy played with many types of groups from jazz trios to big bands having worked with Howard Rumsey’s Light House All Stars, Sy Zentner, Jerry Gray, Les Elgart, Red Norvo, Charlie Barnet and the Gerald Wiggins Trio.

Instruments Cornet, trumpet, clarinet, trombone, violin, tuba, piano, percussion

Albums Dawn of the Century Ragtime Orchestra

Press Reviews "Musically, the Dawn of The Century is not your slick, professional ragtimeensemble, but is indicative of how this mucic was really played by thelocal theater & vaudeville orchestras of the pre-1920 era; with gusto andverve! The one great advantage of this orchesta and the element that makesit so listenable is its enthusiastic approach. ... You won't find lukewarm ragtime here. This is the music played with all ofthe "Pickles & Peppers" it was intended to have - and in fact on someselections there's a little "too much mustard"; leading to a quasi-dixieland jazz feel that would have been better if it was starched a bit." -- Stephen Kent Goodman

Location Grass Valley, California - USA

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