Warning: Do NOT play this CD if you are in a sad mood—and want to remain sad. Do NOT play this recording if you don’t want to smile, continually. Avoid this album if you like bland, boring, by-the-book renditions of the familiar. Put this CD away if your favorite color is plaid. DO play this CD if you prefer your ragtime powerful, vigorous, robust, energetic, and full of the surprises and energy of youth, for this young man approaches Ragtime with the vitality, strength, enthusiasm, gusto, and spirit that it deserves. His playing is nothing short of remarkable, exhausting, and utterly astonishing. DO play this CD if you want to shake your head in utter amazement at Martin’s exuberance and unbridled joy—you can see his fingers dance across the keys. You know Eubie is smiling. BE prepared to be dazzled by this extraordinary display of digital dexterity, but also by the moments of tenderness and sweetness. Martin does indeed have tricky fingers, but more importantly, he has the love and respect for this music that this recording (and his live performances) reveal totally, sincerely, effortlessly, and completely. Bravo, Martin! -Tony Caramia Professor of Piano, Eastman School of Music