Striding pianist Tom McDermott gives a fitting tribute to ragtime master Scott Joplin in variety of formats on this richly hued session. Even on the solo performances, which are in abundant supply, he adds clever introductions that add to rather than detract from the essence of the piece. On the famous tunes from the film The Sting, tunes like “The Easy Winners” is charming, “Maple Leaf Rag” is joyfully agitated and “The Entertainer” is filled with trickles. Duets with pianist Scott Hayden evoke warm parlor moods on “Sunflower Slow Drag” and with a small band, the team stomps to Evan Christopher’s clarinet on “Swipesy Cakewalk” and “Heliotrope Bouquet.” Even if you’ve heard these songs a gazillion times, they sound fresh and new in this festive release.