Mel B. Kaufman (1879-1932), the"King of the One Step," was one of the most popular and prolific composers of syncopated dance music in the 1910s and early '20s. His work was featured by such bandleaders as Vincent Lopez, Eugene Jaudas, Charles Prince, and Joseph C. Smith, and his lively, catchy melodies found their way into the soundtracks of hundreds of films and animated cartoons well into the 1950s. This first-ever CD devoted to Kaufman's music features twenty five numbers (68 minutes), including several works recorded for the first time. All of the pieces are being presented off the original orchestrations using antique instruments and authentic performance techniques."The Premier American ragtime ensemble." - The Washington Post"One of the best ragtime orchestras I think you'll hear." - Rob Bamberger, Host, Hot Jazz Saturday Night (WAMU 88.5, Washington DC)