Earl Louis Stewart

Earl Louis Stewart considers the art of composition to be more than a profession, but also a spiritual exercise. Thus, he uses the word "Identity' as a part of the title of all of his works. To him, composing affords him the opportunity to engage in his spiritual search for God.

Symphonies, chamber works, and solo works all reflect, in a very real sense, the musical background of Dr. Stewart: the sum of the American urban folk tradition, i.e. spirituals, blues, soul music, gospel music, jazz, and folk-based African music retentions. It also reflects the classical influences of his mentors including Alvin Batiste, Gerard Behague, Kent Kennan, Karl Korte, and Joseph Schwantner.

These fifteen rags from composer Earl Louis Stewart aggregate a bevy of influences and rag styles.

1. Wash Rag
2. N.I.K. Rag
3. The Mellow Rag
4. The Chicago Rag
5. She Puts the Itch in Bitch Rag
6. Rag for a New Heart
7. Perk Me Up Rag
8. Joplin Lives
9. In a Meeting Rag
10. Funny Bone Rag
11. Festive Rag
12. Birthday Rag
13. A Tinge of the Orient Rag
14. A Ragtime Offering
15. Ragtime Lullaby