Immerse yourself in the vibrant and dynamic world of ragtime with Sam Fonteyn's "Bruton BRO9: Hollywood Saga/String Fantasy," released on December 31, 1985, under the Bruton Vaults label. This captivating album spans a concise yet engaging 44 minutes, featuring 22 tracks that showcase Fonteyn's mastery of the genre.
From the lively "Happy Families" and "Pizzicato Playtime" to the romantic "Chanson D'Amore" and "Concerto for Romance," Fonteyn takes you on a journey through a variety of moods and styles. The album's highlight, "Little Symphony," is a four-movement suite that demonstrates Fonteyn's compositional prowess, ranging from the animated "Animated Allegro" to the furious "Furious Finale."
Fonteyn's playful side shines through in tracks like "Finger Pickin' Polka" and "Kentucky Fried Rag," while his more contemplative side is evident in pieces such as "Elegy" and "Perpetual Emotion." The album's title track, "Hollywood Saga," offers a cinematic experience, hinting at Fonteyn's ability to create vivid narratives through music.
Whether you're a seasoned ragtime enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Bruton BRO9: Hollywood Saga/String Fantasy" offers a delightful exploration of Sam Fonteyn's musical versatility and his unique contributions to the ragtime canon.