Merlin Roxby @ Prohibition Bar, Newcastle - Jan. 27

Merlin Roxby (piano)

Following his public performance debut in November, Merlin Roxby returned to Prohibition Bar to play a further selection of ragtime numbers. In his twenties, Merlin is one of very few young pianists exploring the form. Sitting at the the recently tuned house upright, Merlin began to play. Over the course of two one hour sets, Merlin didn't say a word. We have a shy, retiring type in our midst! 

As the night unfolded it became apparent Merlin was revisiting numbers from November's set list - Left Bank Two (the Vision On tv theme tune), Top Cat, Joplin, James P. and Fats. In the absence of announcements it became an evening of 'name that tune' - some instantly recognisable, others less so. Hallelujah I Love Her So (Ray Charles), Graceful Ghost (comp. William Bolcom, still with us at the age of 84), Maple Leaf Rag, King Porter Stomp and many more.      

If, make that, as and when, Merlin feels comfortable in talking to his audience, he'll be all the better for it. Little did Merlin know, two ragtime aficionados were in the house listening intently to his performance! Afterwards they introduced themselves. However rarefied the ragtime scene is, however small the ragtime 'community', Merlin now knows there are like-minded souls out there. Next time Merlin Roxby pops up at Prohibition Bar, make the effort to get along, you'll be impressed. Russell