by Scott Yanow
When one thinks of ragtime, it is inevitably of solo piano recitals. Carlos Barbosa-Lima puts a new slant on ten Scott Joplin rags by adapting the vintage pieces to his solo acoustic guitar. Some of the keys were changed for these performances and there were some minor adjustments. Barbosa-Lima makes the music almost sound as if it were written for his instrument; among the tunes that he gives fresh life to are "The Entertainer," "Solace," "Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Easy Winners." A delightful set full of subtle surprises.