Category Archives: Banjoists and Others

Banjoists and Others

In Memory of Bill Emerson, 1938 – 2021

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Pgibson

I only met Bill Emerson a couple of times up in Nashville, but those brief times were lasting memories for me. Although I am self-taught on all the instruments I play, only in my later years did I look to … Continue reading →

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Originators and Elaborators

Posted on February 25, 2021 by Pgibson

I’ve been reading a book by the well-known photographer and author Tom Ang. In it, he prefaces a section on other famous photographers by comparing and contrasting originators and elaborators; terms defining, respectively, those who invent and pioneer, and those … Continue reading →

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When the Teacher is Taught by the Student

Posted on January 14, 2021 by Pgibson

Teaching, by its very nature, implies a certain terminus. Courses are scheduled for a finite period of time and are completed. One reason being that no teacher could possibly teach someone forever. Teachers have finite information which they share; when … Continue reading →

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Just Like Earl

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Pgibson

Playing the banjo just like Earl Scruggs is a common effort among some banjoists. I even have one or two that I play almost exactly like him, but those are the exceptions, not the rule. This is a fairly natural … Continue reading →

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Alabama Songwriters Festival

Posted on July 4, 2011 by Pgibson

Today is the 4th of July! Among the fireworks, picnics and all the other activities going on this day, is the Alabama Songwriters Festival in Guntersville, Alabama. Actually, it has been going on since Friday, but today I’ll be going there. … Continue reading →

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The Steve Martin Effect

Posted on June 18, 2011 by Pgibson

I had a sneaking suspicion in the back of my mind that such a thing as this would happen. But I never named it until now. I’ll call it the Steve Martin effect, because that great comedian/musician/actor was the catalyst – … Continue reading →

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A Tribute to Jimmy Arnold

Posted on December 23, 2009 by Pgibson

Unless you keep up with a lot of banjo players, you may not know Jimmy. After all, Jimmy Arnold is certainly not a household name. What did he ever do? The answer: in all my years of banjo playing, I’ve … Continue reading →

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Does Musical Ability Decrease With Age?

Posted on October 14, 2009 by Pgibson

This is a topic that’s been nagging at me for a while now. I’m 52, you see, and I’m starting to think about what it’s like to get old.  The last thing I want to happen is to not be … Continue reading →

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What I'm Listening to – September, 2009

Posted on September 13, 2009 by Pgibson

Vo-Do-Do-De-O Blues – Cynthia Sayer I got a couple of Cynthia Sayers’ great CDs a while back and have been listening to them, especially this infectious and quite funny tune. But it’s also a great bit of jazz, with great … Continue reading →

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Going to NashCamp!

Posted on September 1, 2009 by Pgibson

I got  the check in the mail, so it’s official – I’m going to NashCamp’s Fall Banjo Retreat this year! This is a big banjo event held each year about 20 miles outside of Nashville at a small park, where … Continue reading →

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