I am well aware that my blogs of late have taken on a darker, less-positive slant; this is simply a reflection of my continually-evolving life, and my continually-evolving view of life. I hope to never stop learning and growing! Recent personal and family events (my “new normal”) have caused me to revisit some old issues, and to attempt a reconciliation with my newer attitude. I assure you all is well with the Banjo Snob! I ask for understanding and patience as I perform my reset.
This most-recent flurry of blogs has come in the aftermath of losing a sibling to cancer last month; in fact, I wrote one of them the day after she passed (and didn’t think anything strange about it until after I posted it)! I obviously need a priority readjustment.
An important result of this self-searching is that I have realized just how overly-important the banjo has become to me. It has always been important, but as my life away from the banjo (admittedly the majority of the time) has gradually become more unorganized and chaotic, the banjo has become my refuge and escape as well; probably not the healthiest of situations!
I write because I believe I have something important to say—and because I believe the banjo itself is important enough to warrant my serious approach and subject matter choices. More importantly though, I realize that you read them looking for a positive note. You should know that a big part of my modus operandi is that “all is not as it seems in happy banjo land, and I’m going to get to the bottom of it!” You should read some of the stuff I wrote before I went public (or maybe you shouldn’t. . .)!
Anyway, I hereby resolve to separate my worldview—and personal issues—from my banjo views and return to my more-positive banjo writing. In fact, I will soon add a page to my website for non-banjo subjects so I can “get it out of my system” without tainting my favorite subject. Writing has been such an effective therapy for me; I may as well drag the rest of myself into the mix—but offer it in an easily-ignored space away from the banjo. Again, thank you for your understanding and patience!
Ron, it is good to see you back to blogging again!
And I’d like to thank YOU for YOUR positivity in helping me get over a plectrum banjo hurdle.
For many years, I had somehow convinced myself that the use of glissando was something I just couldn’t do.
And you know the old saying… “If you think you can’t do it, you’re right! If you think you can do it, you’re right!”
After my video lesson from you last year, I started working on that. It took a lot of effort, patience, and support from my fellow musicians in the band I play with, but I finally overcame my inhibitions and years of obsession about Being On The Right Chord At All Times… which I came to realize was a sort of security blanket I could finally give up!
Now I’m glissing so much that it’s probably not tasteful! But the truth is, I’m still working to incorporate this fully into my playing, so this is probably a necessary phase I’m going through right now.
Now I realize my approach is miles away from your interest in fourth string melodies, scales and obscure compositions by Emile Grimshaw.
But the truth is, the first banjo guy that really knocked me out when I was a teenaged guitar player was a guy named Eddie Condon.. dig him on this immortal 1929 side by the great Fats Waller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5kzjvQOGbE
And since then, as I’ve discussed with you, my banjo heroes include Sleepy Hall and the Ellington Orchestra’s Fred Guy (a tenor player, to be sure).
These players all have different styles, but what they have in common is
-a genius for ensemble playing
-a kind of roughness to their playing
-use of glissando
Will
PS If there is a way to post MP3 recordings on your blog, I have a recent one of my playing that I’m particularly proud of, which I’d like to share…
Will; Glad I could help! I still owe you a lesson too. I would have to post the MP3; send it to me in an email.
I’ve only discovered your blog. I looked you up after watching a few videos of your performances on YouTube. Sorry to hear that things have been tough lately. Whatever its worth, your playing has inspired me to now try and play some plectrum banjo.
Thank you David; I appreciate your concern. I’m almost totally back on track now. I would be happy to help you learn the plectrum banjo in any way possible.
Thanks. I may eventually opt to take some lessons. For now, I’m focusing on 5 string fingerstyle banjo, but I became so enthralled by your version of Debutantes by Cammeyer (its become one of my favorites) that I set out to learn it by buying the Grimshaw tutor from Clifford Essex, as well as the tab/sheet music for Debutantes. I’ve loosened the 5th string and removed from the bridge. I’m not even sure if plectrum players generally use nylon strings or not. I personally love the sound of nylon with a plectrum.
One day, when I have more financial means, I’d like to take up the tenor banjo as well and take lessons. I understand that you are also updating the Grimshaw tutor for the tenor banjo. That would be fantastic.