"Hilarity Rag" - Tuba Skinny

[@PopsCoffee]

Many thanks, James. On 7 April 2016, in Royal Street, New Orleans, I was fortunate to be present at what was (Robin told me) the band's very first performance of this piece in public. By the way, it was composed as a piano piece in 1910 by James Scott (who also wrote 'Climax Rag' and 'Grace and Beauty'). You can hear how one of its themes (the one where it switches from the key of F to the key of B flat, heard for the first time at 00:54) is similar to the last theme of 'Climax Rag'. They stay on this theme (including for the solos) until they move on to the final theme of 'Hilarity Rag' at 04:00. It seems to me that Tuba Skinny have modelled their version closely on that of Bunk Johnson's re-working of 'Hilarity Rag' for his 1947 New York recording.

[@haroldbrown6630]

This comment is so mind blowing to a Philistine (me). Love it.

[@emiliolopezify]

Thank you for your background information to the tune. I love both tunes the Climax Rag and the Hilarity Rag. For me no one can play Ragtime music so wonderful as Tuba Skinny. 😊 👍

[@PopsCoffee]

Thanks, Dave. I have just listened to the Bunk Johnson recording again. It is very clear and was obviously of great value to Tuba Skinny in preparing this piece for performance.

[@trig6712]

Brilliant again, Many thanks ..

[@peterhenshaw1655]

Harmony and rhythm- just exquisite! I see Shaye has changed her cornet, an even creamier tone. Thank you so very much.

[@peterhenshaw1655]

Thanks James for this - pleased you agree and have fed back to Shaye. Of course, she can play anything and sound wonderful! Greetings from Derby, England.

[@axeleast8632]

@@svenarnebyfeldt9066 Two minutes into Mr Sterling's recording of TS playing 'Some Sweet Day" on Oct 2 2021 there is a very clear picture of a cornet. It is not the same as the cornet in this video.

[@svenarnebyfeldt9066]

@@axeleast8632 That cornet can be an Olds Ambassador...

[@oliverz.3555]

@@JamesSterling The horn was built from Mr. Reynolds, who later vuilt trumpets/cornets with his own company. I'm playing the replica, a original Reynolds Hi-Fi Cornet, built in 1961. It sounds very similar to the King Master.

[@JamesSterling]

@@oliverz.3555 Thanks. Since your answer sounds the most authoritative we will assume that this cornet is a Reynolds Hi-Fi or a replica. This one is definitely different than the King Master she showed me 2 years ago. It has a distinctive shape to the tubing

[@chesterraybon3442]

Something about this tune that's tops. Had to replay it several times to start with. What a superior job TS did with this number. Thanks James for bringing it to us.

[@Rwjudy48]

Splendid - as usual!

[@DanPurdy1]

Great tune that they have played a few times and found on KZbin. No matter how many times it is that they play something, it is always fresh, never stale.

[@carloviano6206]

Thanks James This music is very important for my ears and soul Greetings from Italy

[@connieclemow4273]

Thanks James, wonderful TS , thank you for sharing !!!

[@JamesSterling]

You are welcome Connie.

[@casinoroyle5254]

Great quality all round James, both visually and musically!!

[@emiliolopezify]

Thank you James. I am so happy you find a great place for filming. It seems the return to the Maison of Tuba Skinny and Sterling recording. Isn't it? Yes I remember me that tune. 🎶 It has been a while the band has played it. The solo by Todd on his sousaphone is so marvelous. A great performance as always. Best wishes to you Dave from Berlin Germany.

[@WilliamAllanRibeiro]

Música da hora.

[@дмитрийДанилов-ю1з]

Сегодня эта музыка как бальзам. Вся попса, рок и т.д. в печёнках сидят Люблю ВАС!!! А женщины - КОРОЛЕВЫ!!! А мужчины КОРОЛИ!!!

[@JamesSterling]

There has been much discussion about the new cornet that Shaye is playing. Viewer Oliver Z identifies it as a Reynolds Hi-Fi or a replica of one. Two years ago she switched from her old Yamaha to a King Master but it appears she has once again changed cornets. I think it has a mellow tone, better than her old Yamaha. (Edit) I have since learned that it is a Bach Stradivarius Shepard's Crook Model 184)

[@svenarnebyfeldt9066]

This one is a "Shepards Crook" Cornet...

[@svenarnebyfeldt9066]

Yes it is a Bach Stradivarius Shepards Crook as you say in outher answer... Thank you for asking...

[@JamesSterling]

@@svenarnebyfeldt9066 Yes, I posted on Facebook that it is a Bach Stradivarius Model 184, known as the Shepard's Crook. I asked specifically about it when I saw them on Royal Street on April 1, 2022.

[@svenarnebyfeldt9066]

@@JamesSterling Thank you and it sounds good too...

[@paulgrimm]

Got to get my hit of a tuba skinny

[@zbigniewmaderski5851]

Where is Erica?

[@JiveDadson]

Needs bass drum. 😉

[@brudnyjohnny4657]

where is Erika?

[@brendamello2202]

Asheville, North Carolina