Recorded in 1976
In the latter half of the 1970s, there was an increasing trend in jazz of taking greater stock in the past. I suppose that impetus is at work in this album of Scott Joplin's compositions. However, you'd be wrong to assume that Scott Joplin: Interpretations '76 is Wofford's attempt to recreate the musical past. There's nothing remotely ragtime-y about this music. In fact, I think only a musicologist or music historian would even recognize these compositions as Joplin's. As he states in the album's liner notes, Wofford chose to use Joplin's music as a jumping off point for performing thoroughly modern jazz.
Half of the eight cuts are solo performances. On the remaining four tracks, Wofford is supported by Chuck Domanico (b) and Shelly Manne (d). Wofford performed in Manne's band for more than a decade (and Domanico was in Manne's band as well), so the group sounds as comfortable as a pair of well-worn shoes.
This album is a sleeper. As far as I know, it's never been issued in any digital format. But Wofford is an outstanding pianist. I think any listeners who enjoy his pianism will be pleasantly surprised if they have an opportunity to discover this LP. It may be off-the-beaten path, but it's also a joy to hear.
More Mike Wofford
If you'd like to hear more of Wofford's solo work, you might consider Afterthoughts (Discovery, 1978). It's another very fine disc.
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