In the 1920s and 1930s -- the early days of radio broadcasting -- the xylophone was one of the most popular instruments on the radio. The crisp brilliant sound of the wooden bars came through the earphones and primitive speakers with a clarity that other instruments lacked. Rags were always a favorite source of material for xylophone solos. Performers including George Hamilton Green and Harry Breuer played ragtime music on the radio for enthusiastic audiences, and also gave live performances at dances and other events.
In the twenty-first century, marimbist Jane Boxall delves into the rich, engaging ragtime repertoire, performing the music of Green, Breuer, Joplin and others on a vintage (1926) Deagan xylorimba -- half xylophone, half marimba. Jane's fast-paced, toe-tappin' ragtime set can also feature special collaborations with pianist Rose Chancler (Jane's partner in piano-marimba project Ricochet Duo) and drummer Michael Allen.
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