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Category Archives: Banjos and Society
Why is the Banjo so Mysterious?
I must declare here: the banjo is a throughly fascinating thing. Whether playing Bluegrass, Old-Time, Folk, Jazz, or any other genre, it has a certain fascination, even a mystery, about it. And not only in sound, but in looks as … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos and Society, History, Philosophical Ramblings
Tagged Akonting, auditory, Banjar, Banjo, Complexity, Exotic, Fascination, History, Karen Lynn, Mystery, mystique, Sarod, Simplicity, Sitar, visual
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The Deep Ellum Banjo Man
Back in December of 2009, I travelled to Denton, Texas to watch my oldest daughter Paige graduate from the University of North Texas. We had a grand time there, especially on the Denton County Courthouse square, with all the touristy type stores … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos and Society, History
Tagged Banjoman, Dallas, Deep Ellum, Denton, Gaston Avenue, Good Latimer
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The Banjo 50 Years from Now
We’re so used to technology these days. Many of us make our living from some part of it. Even if you don’t earn a living at it, you know how to use Facebook, cellphones, iPods and so on and so … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos & Technology, Banjos and Society, Philosophical Ramblings
Tagged Banjos, Computerized, Future, Predictions, Styles, Technology
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Why Play the Banjo?
Why indeed! I can think of several reasons… You get to meet some of the craz… er, nicest people around! OK, if crazy is what you’re looking for then, yes you can find that, too! As with anything in life, … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos and Society, Beginning Banjo
Tagged Americas Instrument, Banjo, Creativity, fun, Hot Rod, Relaxing, Roots, Satisfaction, Style, Why Play Banjo
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Introducing Two-Finger Style Banjo
I love exploring different styles of playing the banjo. Although I’m mostly a modern three-finger style player, I do know a smattering of other styles. I realize I’ve not blogged on another style I’ve recently started playing: two-finger style. I … Continue reading
Nine Reasons a Banjo Teacher Should go to NashCamp
When I was at NashCamp two weeks ago, I didn’t hear anyone else mention that they were a banjo teacher. I’m sure several of the people there besides the faculty taught at various levels, but I got to thinking how … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos and Society, Banjos in General, Venues
Tagged Banjo, Bluegrass, Friends, Good Advice, Jamming, NashCamp, Networking, New Techniques, No Man is an Island, Recharge, Resource, Skills, Teachers
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Music: A Cure for Modern Day Complexity
Go check your email. Can’t do it? Maybe the SMTP server is down. Call ’em up and find out. Search for their number and find it if you’re lucky. Go through the voicemail maze and finally leave a message in … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos and Society, Music in General, Philosophical Ramblings
Tagged Complexity, Cure, Information Technology, Music, Refreshing
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Bluegrass Owners Association Covenant
No, this blog doesn’t have anything to do with an actual real estate entity. Read on for what it is about. I know how covenants work within a homeowners association. The new homeowner signs the covenant, promising to abide by … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos & Bluegrass, Banjos and Society
Tagged Bluegrass, Crossover, Etiquette, Genre, Jamming, Jazz, Oldtime, Style
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People are Important
I used to love playing Tony Trischka’s Chromania (still do, actually). It’s a rather challenging tune to play from one of his early melodic banjo tablature books. It’s a very satisfying feeling to be able to play it cleanly and … Continue reading
Posted in Banjos and Society, Music in General
Tagged Chromania, Dr. Carrol Ellis, Humanity, Importance, Music, People, technical, Tony Trischka
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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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