Frivolity Rag (Ron O'Dell) played by Tom Brier

I composed this rag one morning in 2004, about 12 hours after composing another rag which I called "Priority Rag". I woke up with the first strain of this in my head so thought the opposite of having priorities would be to spend time on frivolous pursuits, thus the title came to mind immediately.

The first rag was so named because I wrote it the day that the 1965 mod for Grand Prix Legends was released, after years of development. However, instead of installing it and going racing, I ended up writing music, which I decided should take priority.

Here is Frivolity being played by Tom Brier during one of his sets at the Ragtime Corner during the 2009 Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, May 23rd.

Sheet music for this is in my first folio, "17 Rags by Ron O'Dell". Ordering information is on my site http://www.armory.com/~keeper/midi.html or you can contact me through YouTube.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• ragtime
• piano
• rag
• odell
• brier
• 2004

[pSycHomNKy]

I've been listening to some of the songs you've presented to all of us, and have always been impressed. Being one that was always interested in soundtrack-themes, as well as rag-time, you are an incredible composer. I love the music, and looking forward to more of the music rolls you bring forth, or watching you or fellow musicians like Tom Brier, Andrew Barrett, The Raspberry Jam Band, and your fellow colleagues perform various compositions including your own. :D

[Keeper1st]

Thanks! As far as "soundtrack" music is concerned, look up the video called "shangelina-final theme". I wrote the music for that animated demo/title sequence (and I do the evil laugh at the beginning too!).

[digdugdiggy]

Nice song, I really like the melody.

I am considering ordering your song collection. How difficult would you rate your sheet music? I have a book of simplified ragtime songs, but its still a bit difficult for my skill level.

[Keeper1st]

The music in my folio is probably mostly medium to excruciating in difficulty. I think "Skunk in the Parlor" is probably relatively easy (whereas "Tattle-Tale Rag" is for showoffs). But I've never learned to play any of those. The only one of mine I've learned is "Fly-Swatter Rag" but that was written after I published the folio. Many of my rags are written on paper, so may not fit under the hands as easily as those by someone who composes on the keyboard. I do use a keyboard at times though.

[TheEasternMovCritic]

Ron O'Dell, you're a Scott Joplin of our time!

[dippydawg827]

Tom is so awesome

[dippydawg827]

you're a very good composer

[Hrodulf]

Very good!

[ThisIsKuroCat]

WoW!

Just amazing like always.

[BachScholar]

Very spirited rag! (But it sounds a little frivolous.)

[Quietschquatsch]

Wow! Very good!