Pianist Daniel Szabo of Hungary has rapidly gained a following across Europe, Japan, and Taiwan for his performances of both classic and contemporary rags. Combining skillful playing and seldom-heard pieces, Szabo's debut album is a delightful tour through the rich variety of ragtime composed in the past 20 years. From the gentle beauty of "Northern Lights Rag" or "Budapest Rag" to the exciting virtuosity of "The Facemelter" and "Anxious Axolotl," and from the classic-sounding "Oatmeal Rag No. 3" to the more avant-garde "Ghost Pepper Rag," this disc is an essential addition to any serious collection of piano ragtime. 20 tracks. 75 minutes.