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Category Archives: Banjoists and Others
What I Would Do Over
I went to visit my folks out in the country this past Sunday afternoon, just as I often do. While there, I took the opportunity to go visit my old bedroom. The furniture has changed in there since the days … Continue reading
Posted in Banjoists and Others, Music in General, Philosophical Ramblings
Tagged Banjo, Change, Communication, Dulcimer, Experience, Faith, Home, Mandolin, Pray, Wisdom
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Different Kinds of Banjo Students
One of my students and I were talking just recently and I was referring to all the different kinds of students that a teacher interacts with: young and old, talented and not-so-talented, progressive and traditional, by the book and outside the … Continue reading
Posted in Banjoists and Others, Banjos and Society
Tagged Banjo Student, coaching, Favorite, Frailing, Goals, melodic, Merit, Plectrum, Scruggs, Techniques, Value
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Should Music be Cubby-holed?
A friend and I were talking about various qualities of musical instruments and he made the comment that guitars, banjos and such instruments can easily play alone, whereas a brass or woodwind instrument, say, a trombone, really needs other instruments … Continue reading
Posted in Banjoists and Others, Music in General
Tagged Banjo, Charlie Rich, Country, Cubby Hole, Dulcimer, Jazz, MLS, Music, R&B, Rock, Sitar, Trombone
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The Most Unusual Place I've Ever Played Banjo
I’ve not played that much for large gatherings; mostly less than 20 or so folks. On occasion, I’ve played for one or two hundred folks. But the most unusual place I’ve ever played took place years ago heading into downtown … Continue reading
Posted in Banjoists and Others, Banjos and Society
Tagged Banjo, Birmingham, Bus, Dueling Banjos, Elvis Presley
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Béla on the Cover of Downbeat
Have you noticed that Béla Fleck is on the cover of the June 2009 issue of Downbeat magazine? He’s also on the cover of Banjo Newsletter for the same month. Amazing – I heard that this is the first time … Continue reading
Posted in Banjoists and Others, Banjos in General
Tagged Banjo Newsletter, Bela Fleck, Cello Banjo, Downbeat
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Some of My Musical Influences – Intro
Among other series of blogs I’ve been thinking of writing has been one about already well-known musicians who have been influential on my own musical development. Some are obvious bluegrass musicians (Bill Monroe, Frank Wakefield, among others), some banjo pickers … Continue reading
Ben Freed's List of 100 Songs to Learn
A while back (July, 2006 to be specific), Banjo Newsletter featured a list compiled by Ben Freed detailing his take on the 100 songs a banjo player should have in his/her repertoire. This article is actually a follow-up to another … Continue reading
Posted in Banjoists and Others, Tips & Techniques
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My Daughter is Learning to Fiddle!
Michiko has been taking violin lessons for several years now. Lately, she has switched over to learning fiddle tunes – bluegrass, as well as Irish and Celtic tunes! We played Cripple Creek together for the first time a few weeks … Continue reading
Posted in Banjoists and Others
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On Becoming a Banjo Player
Thinking back to my preschool days, I realize that I had always been fascinated with banjos. They seemed such odd instruments; half drum and half guitar. And that sound! I will always remember my first introduction to this unusual instrument; … Continue reading
Posted in Banjoists and Others
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Phill Gibson 