The album opens with "Black and White Rag," a tune that is familiar to the more mature members of the British public, having been used as the theme tune for a popular TV snooker show. It demonstrates that Osbourne certainly knows his stuff, and shows off the beautiful sound of the saloon's piano. It is the first of several ragtime pieces here, which include four compositions from Scott Joplin, including two of his most readily recognizable tunes, "Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Entertainer."

All of the pieces are solo piano arrangements, which works well for most of the tracks. The main exception is "Tiger Rag," where the lack of trombone (as featured on the Louis Armstrong recordings) means that the tune seems a little lightweight. Elsewhere there is a boogie woogie version of W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues," as well as a return to that music's origins with "The Original Boogie Woogie" which came from Pinetop Smith.

The only original tune here, "Shootin' The Rapids," was written in 1992. It has a much older feel to it, however, and sounds like it could have been written specially for one of the old silent movies. In fact, it was originally written as music for a robbery in a production of The Beggar's Opera.

"Live At The Diamond Belle" shows that Hoyle Osbourne can certainly play piano. The only minor misgiving about the album is that it seems a little anachronistic outside of the live setting. There are few people who could pull off playing an album of old (mainly ragtime) instrumentals. The quality of Osbourne's musicianship is not in any doubt, however, and fans of the older styles of blues and ragtime piano will find plenty here to admire. The CD is available from Osbourne's web site (www.hoyleosborne.com).

This review is copyright © 2001 by Gordon Baxter, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.