Tuba Tiger Rag

Harry DeCosta/arr. by Luther Henderson

Tuba Tiger Rag Tiger Rag is a classic example of ragtime, an American musical genre with its roots as dance music in New Orleans and St Louis in the late 1800s. Ragtime is characterized by syncopation -- emphasized notes that either anticipate or follow the beat. The effect is to cause the listener to move to the music. Scott Joplin, the king of ragtime, called this effect weird and intoxicating; he advised performers of ragtime music to play slowly until you catch the swing. The name "swing" stuck to an early form of jazz that developed out of the ragtime style, popularized by the big bands of the 1930's and 40's.

The term “Dixieland” came from the Original Dixieland Band, a group of white musicians who began performing in 1917 in a style previously played only by black musicians in New Orleans. This infectious, uniquely American style of music (also known as “New Orleans Jazz” or “Traditional Jazz”) spread all over the world. It had a resurgence in the 1950's and has remained an active part of American musical life since then.

This novelty number by Luther Henderson, arranger for the Canadian Brass quintet, features the tuba section, band vocals, and lots of other special touches.

Last updated on April 10, 2012 by Palatine Concert Band