Resources for playing the bones

[Genford Brewington]

I notice that we have a lot of folks who play the rhythm bones in addition to banjo, for obvious reasons.  I count myself among this number.

 

I was just curious as to what resources people utilized in learning the bones.

I am aware of the Rhythm Bones Society and the instructional materials that they offer, both in terms of literature and videos.  I have also watched Carolina Chocolate Drops a lot (being a huge fan) and learned a lot about bones from them (big shout out to Terry Bell of Bell & Sons Banjos for also linking some great CCD/Bones video).

 

Any other good instructional websites, youtube videos, books/cd/dvd for bones? Let me know what you used or are currently using.

 

-Genford

[Carl Anderton]

My old buddy Scott Miller is all about the bones...

http://rhythm-bones.com/

[Genford Brewington]

Thanks for the link Carl!  I am familiar with Scott, having purchased some bones from his company Bone Dry, but had never actually seen him play. 

[Al Smitley]

The first few times I saw film footage of Scott, he was playing with you, Carl, in Gettysburg, in his period attire.  I couldn't take my eyes off of him.  He seemed more like a mysterious cartoon character from Li'l Abner.   It made me wonder if there was an actual person in there, under the get-up.  In videos I saw later, (and the ones you supplied) I was relieved (or perhaps disillusioned) to find that Scott Miller was a real person like the rest of us....but a great spectacle to watch!

[Scott Miller]

Last month I posted a YouTube playlist at my online bones shop with the best "How to Play the Bones" videos I could find. You can view the videos and also check out some other intriguing resources for bone players here--

Musical Bones Resources

[Al Smitley]

Scott, it could be that when you're in your 19th C garb, you are merely Scott Miller in 19th C garb (which is interesting enough, in itself).  Maybe I'm imagining more than is intended but what I see is a masterfully-portrayed character from Twain or Dickens!

[Carl Anderton]

Funny you should mention that, Al.  Scott is a musicain first, and a reenactor when necessary.  He was spotted playing bones in period garb a few years ago at the Wilson's Creek NHS, and was chosen to play a major role in the new interpretive battlefield video at the Visitor's Center.  Some guys have all the luck ;^}

Al Smitley said:

Scott, it could be that when you're in your 19th C garb, you are merely Scott Miller in 19th C garb (which is interesting enough, in itself).  Maybe I'm imagining more than is intended but what I see is a masterfully-portrayed character from Twain or Dickens!

[Al Smitley]

If I were putting together that interpretive video, I would have chosen both of you, along with Kyle.   Some of us try to dress in 19th C garb but, for some reason can't come close to pulling it off as realistically as you guys.   A lot of us look like 21st C people in19th C clothing.  You guys possess some elusive knack.....or maybe it's not elusive but we merely don't perceive what we're missing.   Maybe....a workshop would help?

[Scott Miller]

Al, thank you for the kind words. Actually, all that is on my brain during a performance is the music and how to make the tune sound good. Well, that and channelling the spirits of antebellum era minstrel players. ;-)

[Scott Miller]

Yes, Carl does have a knack for selecting and wearing period clothes.

And appearing with Carl in a living history setting is more than just playing period music - it's like entering a time warp.

[Scott Miller]

Actually, Carl and Kyle do appear in that video. It's just that the best looking performer got top billing.

:-D

Al Smitley said:

If I were putting together that interpretive video, I would have chosen both of you, along with Kyle.

[Phil]

here a vido fro Youtube you might like  "How to Play Bones with Dom Flemons" Carolina Chocolate Drops shows us how to play the bones!

[Scott Miller]

"How to Play Bones with Dom Flemons" gives a nice introduction to the bones. It is the 2nd of fourteen videos you can see at the link below. The playlist features the best "how to play the bones" videos on YouTube.

How To Play the Bones (YouTube playlist)
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL82F9FC5A01D448F8