Tim Twiss's Blog (111)

In "Nebber Do To Gib It Up So", the last verse goes

Fella on de woodpile barkin' like a dog

Toad in de millpond sittin' on a log

Possum up a gum tree sarcy fat and dirty

Come kiss me girls or I'll run like turkey

What is that word, and how do you pronounce it?

Anybody else playing this stuff? Here's this great new book, and I feel like I'm the only one at the party....a new Converse Book.....holy cow!!

I did a little playing tonight, going outside with the Bell Banjo. It started at 50% RH, and as it grew darker, reached 68%. At about 65%, I could feel the pitch squirm a little bit, but no big issue. It got a little tubbier sounding then too, but was good. The skeeters came out then, so I came in. Anyway, having great fun watching conditions relative to the instrument and it's behavior. 

Hey, anybody else going to join the party? All this fresh meat.....

Marc is adding tabs gradually. If you guys don't read notation well, this is a chance to build a library on the Ning site.

Keeping to my promise that I would not carpet bomb this site with the new Frank Converse Book, I posted Bisbee's favorite Jig. Yes...it is an awesome minor tune. Hope you like it, and then try it.

These  are some good times here. I especially enjoy all the new video posts. For those that are doing some of your first, you have set a benchmark to reflect upon as you watch your playing grow and improve. Good playing all around! Nobody should ever worry that "that tune has been done". Just play and post. Everybody gains.

Hey mark, I saw that you stopped by the shop. I'm sorry I missed you. Did you have business here in souhtern Michigan? We should certainly get together. Hope you enjoy your new Bell.

The front of the Buckley New Banjo Method of 1860 states that the book's pieces are arranged "for the use of pupils and amatuers". Holy crap!!! What did the professionals do? That stuff is not all that simple.

I Know thsi is not the perfect place to ask about this, but a student just brought this in. It has a little door in the bottom. Any clues about it?  

4/22/12

Okay, I am going to begin on the Phil Rice Method of 1858. Actually, I am going to start at the back and work the other way. No special reason.

I am using a new instrument for this book, that being a brand new Bell Boucher. You all know the excitement of having a new instrument in your hands. That is what I am feeling now. This instrument, all 27 inches of it's resonating beauty, is perfect to capture the dynamic range of…

4/2/12 Started the Briggs tonight. Thought a lot about Jim Crow Polka and after watching some dance videos, decided to slow it down. Felt and sounded better. Also did Dan Tucker, Dandy Jim, and Boatman's Dance. Recored on Hartel Boucher. 

http://timtwiss.com/musicstore/Briggs-Banjo-Instructor--4-.htm

Hey Al Smitley....you going up to the Cromaine this weekend?

Hey Al...(and anybody nearby in lower Michigan)...I'm playing at the Celtic Kettle tonight in Hartland, with my friend Marianne Murphy. Sneaking in a few banjo tunes along with lots of guitar, a little bones, and my Spike Jones Jaw Bone solo.

Come on out if you are able. Showtime is 7:30

tt

Does anybody hear a connection between these two songs?

Anybody do this one? Very popular in it's day.

I found this in Dobson's Book, and realized it is also in Buckley 1868....and I passed it by somehow. Anyway, I'm going to go record it this morning....it is as cool as "Les Sylphides" which many of us have grown to appreciate. I love this style on the banjo. I play it hybrid, but was meant for fingerstyle.

I'm lazy and have not looked. What are other sources of 19th Century guitar music?

What a great time it is to be involved with this early banjo music.....speaking from the viewpoint of the instruments themselves. There are so many fabulous makers out there. Such quality is available to us, AND we can personally know the crafstmen themselves. Getting an instrument made, and talking to someone over the internet as is being made...wow, it's awesome. I wish I could play and own so many more.....I like them all.   

So, when you extending an invite to us Detroit and otherwise southern mitten men?? This lovely spring weather is ideal. 

Welcome new members to the Ning Minstrel Banjo site. Don't forget to stop by the "Resources" and watch a few videos from the "Lessons" tab. The first 2 give you a nice greeting and introduction from John, our site host, and Greg, a major contributor.