American Beauty Rag

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 17 Apr 2023 10:07 am

I think most folks who peruse this section of the forum are not huge fans of non-pedal guitar, at least the way I play it, but here’s hoping you like this old gem.

American Beauty Rag by Joseph F. Lamb published in 1913. I recorded this last night as a demo for my next record, played on an old Rickenbacher bakelite 6 string that belonged to Sol Hoopii at his death. As with most ragtime pieces, they consist of three or four sections, so stick through to the end if you’re able.

https://mikeneer.bandcamp.com/track/american-beauty-rag

Allan Revich · Post by **Allan Revich** » 17 Apr 2023 10:14 am

That was fabulous Mike!

Craig Stock · Post by **Craig Stock** » 17 Apr 2023 2:40 pm

Mike, sounds great! everything you do is quality and put your whole heart into it. It's great that you bring up songs from 100+ years ago and make them relevant again.

You don't go unnoticed!

Tom Jordan · Post by **Tom Jordan** » 17 Apr 2023 4:24 pm

Mike,

I like all things steel guitar in whatever form it may be.

Your recording is fun to listen to and I'm certain that I'll buy the finished album. Great composition and recording, too!

Thanks!

Tom

Jack Stanton · Post by **Jack Stanton** » 19 Apr 2023 4:15 am

Thanks, Mike. Big fun!

Fred Treece · Post by **Fred Treece** » 19 Apr 2023 7:46 am

“Not too fast”

I will buy that record when you finish it.

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 19 Apr 2023 6:22 pm

Mike, spectacular composition and awesome playing. You certainly have a grasp of the ragtime music.

Larry Toliver · Post by **Larry Toliver** » 23 Apr 2023 5:17 am

Excellent job Mike, I didn't hear any mistakes, and the diminished runs were spotless! Good tone, timing, and great job!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 26 Apr 2023 8:50 am

Thank you all for your comments. Much appreciated. Full steam ahead.

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 26 Apr 2023 3:09 pm

Exquisite!!!!

Dan Kelly · Post by **Dan Kelly** » 5 May 2023 3:51 pm

That was GREAT! I like it!

Thornton Lewis · Post by **Thornton Lewis** » 6 May 2023 5:36 pm

Beautiful tune, beautifully played. Ragtime can sound so mechanical because it swings differently than post Basie jazz, but you really made it sparkle. Just the right tempo!

Pete Finney · Post by **Pete Finney** » 7 May 2023 7:21 am

Very cool; great job, Mike!

Nigel Mullen · Post by **Nigel Mullen** » 7 May 2023 8:23 am

I like all kinds of steel guitar and Mike you did a fabulous job on this song. NM

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 8 May 2023 9:45 am

Thanks very much, gents. I really appreciate the comments.

I released this as a single, so it’s now available on streaming platforms in case you ever want to hear it again for some reason. I am a diehard Ragtime fanatic and I also love early American music, so this next CD of mine will cover some of that territory. I’m calling the CD “American Beauties”.