Muskoka Solace by Steve T Hunter

Scott Joplin's music was alway meant to be played a lot slower than the public is used to hearing it. Joplin himself considered his ragtime pieces to be the classical music of his day, and I can hear plainly the pain, pathos and sad acceptance reflected in the African American experience of the turn of the century. Also reflected plainly is the refuge of these melodies that modulate and resolve so beautifully, and obviously resonated with the times. These pieces are living, breathing color photographs of a more sedate peaceful time, when life wasn't a race to the finish each day, and my intent has been to take myself and the listener out of a complicated present, to a place of solace.

Pianist, arranger and conductor STEVE HUNTER is based in Toronto, Canada. A native of Los Angeles, Steve studied classical piano in Santa Monica until '73, when he moved to Toronto and furthered his studies in music and arranging. Steve's career has been a juggling act between the studio, concert halls, theater & clubs.